Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves called the government’s recent attempt to purge street vendors from streets of Kingstown, an absolute failure of common sense and improper governance.
The controversy arose after the Acting Town Warden issued a directive ordering an immediate end to all street vending along Bedford Street—between Back Street and Bay Street—as well as the entirety of Bay Street from uptown to downtown. Under the sudden notice delivered on a Thursday, vendors were informed they would be forced off the roads by the following Monday. The order has since been halted.
Gonsalves questioned how such a blanket prohibition could pass administrative scrutiny. He argued that street vending is an established reality in both modern and historical cities across the globe, emphasizing that effective administration requires regulating street vending and providing reasonable facilities, rather than attempting outright bans.
“How could this pass anybody with common sense?” Gonsalves asked, criticizing Prime Minister Friday and Minister Gibson-Velox for allowing the directive to proceed without cabinet deliberation or prior dialogue with affected workers.
Gonsalves contrasted the administration’s handling of the situation with the record of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) government. He noted that his administration engaged in extensive consultations with vendors—even during contentious meetings—and constructed dedicated vending accommodation facilities, including the uptown center opposite KFC at the old customs building and a companion facility downtown.
Following intense backlash from high-rate vendors and concerns over the policing resources required to enforce the ban, the authority retreated within 24 hours. The Town Board subsequently issued what Gonsalves described as a “mealy-mouthed statement” announcing a halt to the ban to conduct late consultations.
Describing the episode as “folly” and “baby play government,” Gonsalves stated that heavy-handed, uncoordinated decisions only breed paralysis and anger among working people relying on street trade for their livelihoods.
