President of the Ocho Rios and Dunn’s River Craft Traders Council Devon Mitchell is calling on the government to provide relief support to vendors affected by Hurricane Melissa.

The category 5 storm made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, wreaking havoc on infrastructure and forcing some tourist attractions to close their doors.

Mr. Mitchell explains that the livelihood of craft traders has been adversely impacted.

Mr. Mitchell is also calling on the relevant authorities to address other issues affecting craft traders.

He claimed that tourists are being steered away from the craft markets, by other players in the tourism sector and this is affecting their business.

In response, State Minister for Industry, Investment and Commerce Delano Seiveright assured that effort is being made to address the craft vendors concerns.

He was speaking Thursday, while visiting some resorts and attractions in Ocho Rios, along with Tourism Minister Ed Bartlett.

The commerce ministry has responsibility for the craft vendors but collaborates with the Tourism Ministry on marketing to visitors, who are their main customers.