Disabled fighting for worthy cause

THE EDITOR: Who is breaking the law? Is it the physically challenged or the vendors who occupy the city streets and pavements? The Commissio-ner of Police, recently in a statement, said the protesting disabled citizens are breaking the law, while legal or illegal vendors can occupy the city streets and pavements and are not being charged.

Who gives the vendors the right to occupy space which does not belong to them? Should the Police Com-  missioner and the Mayor of Port-of-Spain get together and crack down on vendors who are also breaking the law? Isn’t vending illegal on the city streets? The physically challenged or disabled are fighting for a worthy cause. They want to be recognised and they want their civic rights, and to obtain productive employment. They are not asking for “handouts,” but a fair chance. On the other hand, the vendors, what cause or concerns are they fighting for, are vendors fighting for equal rights too? Equal rights to occupy the pavement to ply their trade?

One group of citizens can break the law and another group can do as they well please. Isn’t it about time the vendors are relocated and placed in a central location? They block pedestrians from walking on the pavements, sometimes pedestrians have to be dodging in and out onto the streets and playing “cat and mouse” games with motorists. Why should this be? Isn’t it a dangerous practice? Vendors argue that they have a right. A right to obstruct or destruct? I am in sympathy with my fellow citizens of the disabled community. For too long have they been neglected. Equal rights, Equal opportunities! It is about time that the government of the day recognise these citizens as human beings with needs as well. So I get back to the question, “Who is breaking the law?” honest, upright, decent citizens or citizens who feel “de road is mine?” Questions only the relevant authorities can act upon swiftly.

KEN SMITH
Woodbrook