Vendors waiting on Cabinet decision on review of arrears

Vendors at the Kingstown Vegetable Markets are awaiting the decision by Cabinet on the review of their arrears to the Kingstown Town Board, some of which date back several years. During his Independence Anniversary address, Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves had promised that Cabinet would undertake a review of the arrears amounting to several thousand dollars which the vendors owe for use of stalls and shops in the market. The decision was expected by March, 1, 2024. Some produce vendors have told SEARCHLIGHT that while they have not received word from Town Board officials as to the decision of Cabinet, they are making current payments for the use of the stalls they occupy. However, there are claims by some vendors that they are being targetted whenever they speak to the media about situations that they consider to be unfair.

One such vendor is Indera Aribine who had spoken to SEARCHLIGHT in January, 2024 about a one day deadline by the Town Board to vendors who owed fees for 2024 to pay outstanding fees or face ejection. Just over a week ago, she complained that her stall, T10 in the Downtown Vegetable market had been locked and she would only be able to gain access by clearing all arrears to the Town Board. In January this year Aribine had arrears amounting to $480.00.

“In order for me to get my locker open, I have to pay the arrears from last year because the Prime Minister ain’t pay yet,” Aribine related.

She said this information was relayed to her in conversation with the Deputy Manager of the Kingstown Market, Marissa Endeavour, who told her that she should not have gone to the media.

She added that as a way to clear her outstanding fees, she was told that she has to pay $100 weekly, $70 more than what is usually paid per week by a vendor. And, while $30 per week may seem low fee, Aribine said it may be difficult for some vendors to pay as there are many other vendors located throughout Kingstown, and vendors located to the back of the vegetable market do not attract much business.

Aribine further said the deputy manager had told her the Town Board has overheads to take care of- water and electricity, as well as cleaning supplies.

“So I tell she, that is not my business, the government and Town Board supposed to deal with that.” Market vendors are charged $5 per day for the use of the facilities and the money is collected weekly.

Airbine explained that she was in a bit of a financial struggle which makes it difficult for her to pay the outstanding fees amassed for this year. Her locker is still not accessible and Aribine said she is trying to make the required payments.

When contacted, Endeavour asked SEARCHLIGHT to direct all questions pertaining to vending to the Warden of the Kingstown Town Board, Clayton Burgin.

The Ministry of Urban Development also referred our reporter similarly.

Several earlier attempts to reach the Warden were unsuccessful. However, on Thursday, April 11, 2024, Burgin informed that the Ministry of Finance is in the process of working out the final details regarding the arrears of vendors – vegetable and shops- to the Kingstown Town Board.