The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has thrown its support behind the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) in their clamp down on illegal vending.
In a release today, President of the BCCI Lalu Vaswani explained that while the Chamber had no problem with people vending, it could not support unlicensed vendors plying their trade as the practice puts legitimate businesses at a disadvantage.
He noted that consumers and visitors to the City had complained that vendors were blocking pathways, making it difficult to walk freely through the streets. Vaswani cited examples of illegal vendors setting up outside of legitimate businesses, causing access problems to the building. He said his property was also affected, with vendors blocking the windows at Satjay Business Centre.
“Consumers have complained that the congested narrow streets and the obstruction of pedestrian passages are a concern to them visiting the city regularly. However, we support all licensed vendors in plying their trade and continue to encourage a harmonious working relationship with the business community,” Vaswani said.
“Many members have expressed concerns about the negative impact on their businesses due to unregulated activities and the BCCI wishes to ensure the orderly conduct of business by all concerned. The BCCI also plans to meet with stakeholders in the near future to discuss this matter,” Vaswani added. (CM/PR)
