PoS Mayor slams ‘unacceptable’ vending

PORT-OF-SPAIN Mayor Murchison Brown yesterday called on street vendors to take pride in their country, and stop the rampant practice of illegal vending on the streets of PoS, describing this action as “totally unacceptable.” Brown made the call while addressing guests at a thanksgiving ceremony yesterday, organised by the New City Mall Association to mark the mall’s fifth anniversary. The ceremony was held at the City Hall Auditorium.

Brown also condemned the practice adopted by some vendors to occupy spaces in front of book stores across PoS, noting that the Corporation has made arrangements for vendors to sell their goods at Woodford Square. The Mayor also challenged the vendors to follow the example set by the tenants of New City Mall and set up a legal business in one of the many places available for this, citing the mall as one of the established examples. The Mayor also announced that the Corporation would allocate the southern part of Woodford Square to vending during the Christmas season, in an effort to deal with the vending problem that arises at that time of the year. He implored vendors to take advantage of the opportunities and infrastructure that have been put in place for them, and to refrain from the illegal activity that is street vending.