Drag Brothers gets the boot in Sando

Opposition to the relocation has sparked controversy and the vendors yesterday made their feelings known at a meeting with members of both the San Fernando City Corporation and the Urban Development Company (UDeC ott). UDeCott has been contracted to build the complex. At the meeting, vendors accused both the corporation and UDeC ott of threatening the livelihood of "poor people." The meeting was held at City Hall chambers and was attended by more than 25 vendors. Members of the corporation were led by acting city clerk Deodath Ragoobar, while UDeCott representatives, led by business development manager Nigel Williams, sat in at the meeting.

The Drag Brothers Chancery Lane Mall consists of varying types of vendors, with clothing and handicraft being the main trade.

The vendors are to be relocated to Rodriguez Building on Kings Wharf, but clothes vendor, Phagooram Lalgee, questioned the relocation, saying that nothing was being said about whether the move was "temporary or permanent."

Another vendor, Doolarie John, pointed out that robberies take place on a regular basis on the wharf. Vendors expressed concern for their personal safety and that of their customers. "Right now, we are having a hard time competing with all of the illegal vending on High Street. Now you are going to put us in a place where our customers could be robbed as well," John said.

After yesterday’s meeting, vendors were taken on a tour of the Rodriguez Building. The vendors expressed dissatisfaction with the conditions.

The complex, which is to be constructed on a 2.4 acre plot, is expected to accommodate a library, shopping mall, parking facilities for 300 vehicles, and Government offices.