The Cabinet is giving vendors who operate in the vicinity of the St. John’s Public Market an opportunity to ply their trades on two specific days this upcoming Easter Holiday.
The Cabinet is making this allowance after discussions with vendors who appealed for some accommodation after their had already invested in the purchase of various items for sale over the holiday period.
The matter was discussed at Cabinet on Wednesday and there was a decision made that the vendors would be allowed to operate on Thursday April 17 and Saturday 19. Following the Easter Holidays, effective Tuesday April 22, the vendors are expected to comply with a public notice issued by the St. John’s Development Corporation.
The Minister with responsibility for the SJDC had asked the statutory body to publish a Notice indicating that the vendors are to vacate the sidewalks, except on Saturdays when many farmers sell their produce to housewives and others. Following lengthy discussions, it was agreed that the vendors are allowed to extend their presence by one day –Thursday 17 April 2025— but that they move indoors and to other designated places, away from the sidewalks, before the business day commences on Tuesday 22 April 2025.
The Cabinet on Wednesday held a discussion with two officials from the St. John’s Development Corporation (SJDC) who are responsible for overseeing the operations of the vendors in St. John’s.
The Cabinet Notes said it was agreed that vending along the roadsides near the Public Market gives the city an untidy look and causes traffic to slow to a crawl hence pedestrians are forced to walk in the roads.
Acting Prime Minister, Sir Steadroy Benjamin reported that a special Cabinet committee also met with the vendors who have indicated a willingness to comply with the dictates of the SJDC. “They have agreed to our offer of vending Thursday (today) and then on Saturday following which they will revert to the direction of the SJDC. They expressed a desire to work along with the government in this regard recognizing the concerns about the safety of members of the public as well as the overall aesthetics of the city,” he stated.
