BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - A peaceful demonstration was launched last Friday afternoon by Ivy Adams and one of her relatives to publicly display their disapproval of removal and confiscation of the tools of her trade.
“My Prime Minister and government have taken bread out of my mouth. Food, snacks, drinks were removed by employees of the Development Control and Planning Board of the government. Prime Minister, how am I going to feed my children?” were the words written on a placard carried by Adams.
The vendor and her brother, Terry Adams, stood on Church Street on the opposite side of Government Headquarters peacefully demonstrating the removal of Ivy and the treatment meted out to her by the Planning Unit on Friday (May 7), which is one of the busiest days in plying her trade.
At about 10:40 Friday morning, four employees of the Development Control and Planning Board went to Adams’ vending spot at the West Basseterre By-Pass Road, dismantled her tent, folded her tables, packed up all her stock, placed them into their vehicle and took them away.
Adams, who stood powerlessly by as her ‘tools of the trade’ were taken from her, told SKNVibes that she is distraught over what happened and explained that even the prepared food she had for sale that day was taken away, along with whatever monies she had made earlier that morning.
She also said that she had no idea where her property was taken, as the representatives of the Board made no attempt to give her that information.
Her brother told SKNVibes that “they took her food, snacks and drinks”, noting it was done high-handedly and nothing was read to her before the things were removed.
He also told this media house that during the peaceful demonstration, Prime Minister Douglas was travelling in a vehicle along Church Street and he promised Ivy that the matter would be dealt with.
In early and mid-April, Adams was issued two letters by the DCPB indicating that she “poses a serious safety issue to the motoring public using the road.”
She was asked to desist from operating along that road.
Adams refused to move, citing that on three other occasions while vending in other areas she was forced to vacate those spots. She argued that each time she settled into an area she was met with great opposition. Adams added that since vacating those spots they have been occupied by other persons, whose operations there seem not to be challenged.
Adams further argued that she did not see why she had to move when other persons who are in similar situations apparently have not been asked to vacate the areas they occupy.
To vendor explained that she has no idea of where her tools are and if they would be returned to her. Adams indicated that she has sought legal advice and is scheduled to meet with her lawyer shortly.
