BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — WITH more vendors setting up across the Federation, the government says it is moving to regulate the sector and ensure that those plying their trade are doing so safely and in appropriate locations.
This comes as vendors continue to set up in various unregulated areas, including along the bypass road on the FT Williams Highway.
During a recent sitting of Parliament, Minister of the Environment Joyelle Clarke explained that the Basseterre area has seen an increase in non-compliance, including vending in spaces not designated for that purpose and the construction of structures without proper planning approval and inspection. She noted that some individuals are already in discussions with the Ministry of Sustainable Development.
“So for every vendor who has set up on a green space without permission, we engage several times to explain to them this is not a place that's authorised for vending. Either it's going to create an environmental problem or a traffic congestion problem,” she told the National Assembly.
“Because we are a caring ministry and we are supportive of people's livelihoods, and we understand that when people decide to sell, they are trying to contribute to their household income, we generally, and in most cases, provide persons with alternatives. Where we cannot immediately provide you with an alternative, let's say a commercial lot or a designated space for you to vend, we give you time to find your lot and support the relocation.”
The concern follows similar action by the former administration, which had removed vendors from the streets of Basseterre, emphasizing relocation to the Basseterre Public Market, while others were accommodated at the Agri-Strip in Ponds Pasture.
Minister Clarke also raised concerns about the way some vendors are currently operating along the FT Williams Highway, pointing to the growing number of coconut vendors, food stalls, and even bars in the area.
“If you drive across there, you're going to notice that the persons who sell coconut leave the coconut husk there when they're finished. This is not just a challenge because it's unsightly, it's a challenge because the coconut husk, especially if they're turned right side up, they're going to collect water and then we're going to have a problem with mosquitoes and vector-borne diseases. And then that becomes a challenge for the Ministry of Health and for the communities in the area,” she added.
The minister is also urging vendors to clean up after operating.
“So we're asking you kindly to take everything with you. For those of you who have permission to set up and sell under your tents, you know that the permission comes with some caveat, which [is that] you have to move everything at the end of the day. Additionally, at the Ponds Farmers Market Strip, it's designated for farmers, so anyone who wants to sell food or do anything should really seek permission and support from the Ministry of Sustainable Development for us to provide you with suitable locations.”
Clarke said the ministry recognizes the growth in vending in Basseterre but is urging vendors to work with the authorities.
“So the Ministry is recognising that the growth in vending in Basseterre. We're recognising this growth, but we're asking you to connect with us and the Department of Physical Planning or the Department of Urban Development and Resilience for us to assign you to a designated location for vending.”
She also made it clear that some areas are strictly off-limits, including Greenlands.
