Vendors continue to occupy the swathe in the vicinity of the cruise ship pier

Prompted by complaints raised by several tourists and some vendors, Premier Ralph T. O’Neal, who is also the Minister of Tourism accompanied by officials from the Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs, paid a surprised visit last month to the area for a first-hand view of the situation on the ground.

The market caters primarily for tourists with a wide array of souvenirs, including necklaces, dresses, cups, hats and T-shirts.

All of the stalls are made out of collapsible steel rods, with blue or black tarpaulin for roofs.

A senior government source, who asked not to be named in this article, disclosed that among other serious infringements, some vendors are operating without trade licenses.

The source warned that those who are currently operating illegally could be displaced since there has been a freeze on the issuance of licenses to vend in the area.

Originally, vending started closer to the pier with a few vendors, who were originally issued with licenses, sources stated.

After relocating to their current location, the vendors had formed an association, with membership hovering around 25, but the number of vendors on the swathe has swollen beyond 40 in recent months.

“The vending situation has over the years gotten out of hand and we are getting reports of persons operating without trade licenses and other reports that indicate that persons are out there who came to the island on work permits,” one government source acknowledged.

The source noted that the number of vendors continue to increase gradually, because many see it as a lucrative venture.

Highlighting that a market squabble had emerged and eroded quality service, some vendors who spoke on condition of anonymity accused some vendors of price gouging and endangering the livelihood of others by offering poor service.

Complaints of poor service offered to tourists have been fed back to Premier O’Neal, prompting the visit last month.  

However, the government source who is familiar with the vending situation said that the problem is a delicate one, because some vendors who are willing to comply with trade regulations by obtaining a trade license may arbitrarily loose their spot

“The problem becomes complex, because the government does not intend to issue trade licenses for vendors to continue selling out there. While some have already made the case that we may be taking bread out of their mouth, we cannot allow them to continue to be there, but they can obtain a license to ply their trade in a physical structure,” the government source alluded.

The source further pointed out that Government wishes to have the issue resolved amicably and advises vendors who are currently without trade licenses to visit the Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs where officials will be willing to meet and discuss alternative arrangements.

“We would hope that those who are there illegally would come to us so we can have this situation rectified without us having to take affirmative action,” the Government source alluded.

Comments (3)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/Hide comments

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment