CCC defends City Police Officers who confiscated Vendor’s cart: “COVID-19 should not be used as an excuse to violate vending laws!”

(Castries Constituency Council)- The Castries Constituency Council remains very concerned about the blatant violation of laws and regulations relating to vending in the city. This concern stems from the circulation of a video recording of City Police Officers confiscating a cart with produce from a merchant.

While we sympathise with vendors during this time, realising that the Covid-19 crisis has amplified socio-economic inequalities, the pandemic should be no reason to abuse privileges by blatantly violating laws and regulations.

It is important to note that the recently commissioned Provisions Market was built to facilitate ALL Provisions Vendors.

We are faced with a situation where vendors are leaving their stalls to vend along the sidewalks.

We continue to witness indiscriminate vending, blocking of business houses and the obstruction of sidewalks with pedestrians being forced to walk on main streets as a result. In addition, there’s the issue of unsanitary and unsafe practices along city streets.

We wish to state categorically that we are not against vending or vendors, as we continue to give permission and passes for vending on a daily basis.

We understand that street vending provides a critical economic lifeline for people who face difficulty entering the job market. However, we would appreciate it if vending is done within the confines of the laws.