The Joint Select Committee of Parliament met yesterday to review the National Vending Bill 2021.
The Bill which was passed in Parliament last month aims to regulate vending, however, there were some concerns expressed about some sections.
The Committee, which consists of members from both the House of Assembly and The Senate, will inquire into and determine whether the Bill as drafted, fulfils the expressed objects of the promotion, regulation, and decriminalisation of vending in Barbados.
It will also examine and determine whether the Bill as drafted will upon effective implementation fulfil the expressed objects of improving the environment for vending, thus contributing to the development of an ethos of transparency, compliance, accountability and development of the sector and consider whether the Bill as drafted offers an effective enforcement procedure to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Bill.
The Committee will also make recommended changes, if deemed necessary, to the Bill as drafted for further consideration by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel.
The Committee is also inviting members of the public to submit memoranda or other documents setting out their views and comments on the issues. They could also submit written submissions or appear in person before the Committee to give oral presentations.
Persons should also indicate whether they would also want to appear in person before the Committee to give oral presentations. Submissions should be sent by October 8.
Persons should submit their views, memoranda and written submissions to the Clerk of Parliament by October 8.
Yesterday the Committee which was led by Minister of Entrepreneurship, Kerrie Symmonds, discussed various sections of the Bill including the age of vending, activities not considered vending and were vending should take place. (MB)
