Ministry lifts restrictions on registered vendors

Vendors in Kingstown will no longer be restricted to remaining inside the central market to sell their goods.

Minister of National Mobilization and Social Development, Mike Browne, announced on Friday, July 20 that once vendors are registered with the Kingstown Town Board (KTB), they would be allowed to sell in designated areas in Middle Street between Jax Enterprises and Heritage Square.{{more}}

Browne, who was speaking at a press conference, told the media that he had met with the vendors on Saturday, July 14 and they had come to the agreement that the right hand side of the street from the Central Market up to Heritage Square would be allocated to vendors.

Browne also said that government is hoping to uplift the Bedford Street area from Bay Street to Back Street into a place where persons can socialize. This area he said, would become a “No Parking” zone.

“We are hoping to get that area developed to a point where vendors can spread out with a variety of goods, and (place) benches where persons can sit down on Saturdays,” Browne stated.

The Minister also reminded vendors that under the Town and Country Act 1992, if they are found to be vending illegally, their goods can be immediately seized and held. If found guilty, they can be fined up to $1,000 by the court or imprisoned for up to six months. The court may also order forfeiture and disposal of the goods.

The Kingstown Town Board has been given the authority under the Physical Planning Development Act to carry out these tasks concerning the issue of illegal vending.

Persons who are not registered with the KTB will not be allowed to sell their goods on the streets until they are issued a non- transferable permission from KTB. (SB)