ONLINE READERS SYMPATHISED with 52-year-old vendor Herbert Courtland, who is selling fruits to feed his family.
However, they did not support the construction of a shack – torn down last Friday – by the father of five in the newly-renovated green space opposite Starcom Network in Bridgetown.
It cost the Barbados Tourism Investment Inc (BTII) $50 million to renovate there and Church Village.
Readers were concerned about Bajans flouting the rules and about the rundown appearance of certain parts of The City.
Here are some of their views:Â
Pan Willie: Yes Courtland, it is right to find legal means of supporting your family, but it is wrong to just go and erect a structure (whether it is aesthetically pleasing or not) anywhere on anybody’s (even Government’s) land. If this is not nipped in the bud, it will soon resemble the ZR bus terminal – hostile and dirty.
Lloyd Gulston: Why is it that every time a matter is regulated by Government, vendors are quick to tell you they have a family to feed or they want to stop the poor man from living?
I will never support activity by persons who are indifferent to the point that they believe they can do what they like, when they feel like and how ever they like. There was a market there for years and vendors refused to sell in it, preferring rather to congest the bridge, or clutter sections of the bus terminal.
Cheese On: The man ain’t killing or robbing people. He is trying to make an honest dollar and people unfairing him.
David Hall: BTII should designate areas in and around the green spaces where vending can be done, and put in place relevant guidelines regarding the use and consequences of abuse of these spaces.
Athel Ivy: Everyone has the right to earn a living but it should be done according to the law. Why is it that these vendors feel that they have the right to set up and ply their wares anywhere they choose to? Bridgetown (especially Fairchild Street) is beginning to look like a shanty town. It has already started on the ABC Highway.
Sodi S: Right, but Herbert you can’t just go and randomly construct something without approval. I do appreciate that you are a working man who is doing what he can to support his family. Many others should look to your example, and become industrious like you are.
Bajan Fisherman: Take it down. It is time that Bajans realise that there are rules and something called law and order. This illegal, unsightly structure must come down now. I am sick and tired of all the lame excuses that these people come up with, as if that is the public’s problem. This guy has a market place from which to sell his goods and services.
Mia Colucci: Do the right thing! I’m all for people supporting themselves and families through entrepreneurship, but just go about it the right way.
Sherrylyn Toppin is The Nation’s Online Editor.
