Illegal vending in Chaguanas a nuisance

If you were to visit Chaguanas, you will find it difficult to walk on the pavement along the main road because illegal vendors have now claimed the public space as their own.

These vendors have flocked from all over the country and Spanish-speaking foreigners have now joined the bandwagon.

Pedestrians are forced to walk on the roadway to steer clear of bumping into vendors’ merchandise and to avoid pickpockets who prey on unsuspecting shoppers.

These illegals occupy the prime spots, block the storefronts and are bold enough to showcase their goods with mannequins and display racks.

Clothing, fresh produce, household items, jewelry, you name it, can all be found on the sidewalks.

One of the three traffic lanes is completely out of use due to vending, leaving motorists to feel as though they are trespassing.

As the saying goes, give an inch and they’ll take a mile.

Lawful vendors pay a fee to sell their goods in designated areas, while store owners pay a rent to carry out their business.

Are these illegal vendors prepared to pay a fee for a designated spot in the borough? Likely not. It’s not easy to forget the responses of illegal vendors over the years when any attempt is made to remove them: “I have children to mind.” “I’m a single mother.” “They want me to go and thief?” “I trying to make an honest dollar.” Really? But then again, whether it’s happening in Chaguanas, along the highways or busy intersections, who are we as lawful citizens to complain when this is all being done in plain sight of the relevant authorities, who choose to do nothing about the situation.

V Bowlah via email