Bridgetown has become “old and tired” and people no longer find it an attractive place for shopping.
This was the consensus among officials, city store operators and vendors who gathered Wednesday evening at the Cricket Legends of Barbados Fontabelle location to discuss issues relating to vending in The City. The initiative was organized by the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).
The town hall style meeting was designed to identify some of the issues related to vending in Bridgetown so they could collectively come up with possible solutions.
It came against the background of recent activities carried out by the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) – Operation Recapture Bridgetown – designed to reduce illegal and unwholesome activities in The City before mid-September. That operation has been met with some degree of resistance from the vendors as well as the body which represents them.
During the function it was noted that retailers in The City were fed up with illegal vendors especially along Swan Street and Victoria Street. They complained of street vendors blocking their doorways and windows and impeding pedestrian traffic.
However, vendors said they were only trying to make a living and the government was at fault for not issuing them with licences.
It is reported that only a dozen vending licences have been issued for The City, but it is believed there were between 200 and 300 street vendors there.
Acting commissioner of police Tyrone Griffith said while the police force was not trying to stop people from making a living, they wanted them to ply their trade in an orderly manner. (MM)
