Sando street vendors continue ‘cat and mouse’ game

Hosein told Newsday earlier this week that the issue is expected to be discussed next Tuesday. He noted that both the Municipal Police and Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) officers have embarked on an exercise to clear the pavements of illegal vendors.

With just three weeks to go before Divali and two months for Christmas, these illegal vendors are out in full force selling their goods even while dodging the police.

Many are looking to catch a quick sale to provide for their families. The vendors, apart from blocking the free passageway and making life difficult and sometimes dangerous for pedestrians who often times have to walk on the road to get around the vendors and their stalls, are also a direct competitor to the many legitimate store owners in San Fernando.

Gemma Edwards has been selling women’s undergarments for more than 12 years on High Street said they are getting a raw deal from the powers that be. “At the end of the day we are only trying to make an honest living selling our goods at a low price for our customers,” Edwards said, adding that it is all about being able to sell and make a profit every day. Narad Sugrim, who sells fresh produce at the entrance of Carlton Centre, said he is not in any one’s path and is offering his goods to people on the move. He believes that street side vendors and store owners can co-exist. “I have fresh produce from my garden and I come here and within two hours my celery and chive are sold out,” he boasted.