Ministry to tackle illegal vending, traffic in city

by Karen Palmer 22.JUN.07

In light of the carnival season, Minister of National Mobilization Mike Browne and his panel addressed issues surrounding vending and traffic within Kingstown on Wednesday, June 20.

Browne said the vending situation is out of control and solutions must be found, adding that he is sympathetic to vendors but must also be firm with the situation.{{more}} He mentioned a successful meeting with vendors last year where it was agreed that there will be registration, fees and assigned space for vending in Kingstown, and warns that those not registered will not be allowed to operate. He also made it clear that the sale of pirated music and DVDs, as well as the sale of pornographic material will not be tolerated in St.Vincent and the Grenadines.

Carl Williams, Warden of the Kingstown Board, said that there is a specific problem with noise pollution from music vendors, as well as congestion of sidewalks and streets. He said they are in the process of moving vendors back to their designated areas, reminding them that alternate spaces will only be given to those who are registered. With regards to vending during carnival, Deputy Warden Benjamin Hanes said that there will be less bars, ice boxes, and mobile vending units, as last year’s excess resulted in many violations of the law.

Concerning traffic, Inspector Richard Browne said that there is a problem with illegal parking as well as cars being parked on the roadways for long periods of time, and warned that vehicles left on the road have 48 hours to be removed or they will be towed. He stressed that vehicles, including motorbikes and hand carts, will be clamped for violations and towed if fines are not paid. Inspector Browne also reminded the public that they can challenge tickets for traffic violations in court, but if found guilty individuals will have a Traffic Record.

The public is reminded that violations concerning vending and traffic are punishable by law, and are asked for full cooperation in the future, especially during the carnival season.