CATEGORY:SIDEWALK VENDING
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By Trevor Thwaites (Inside Grenada correspondent)


ST.GEORGE, Grenada - There was much order and serenity in the town of St George’s last week Monday. The sidewalks were free of the many vendors who have been plying their trade in recent times much to the annoyance of the authorities. The Ministry of Works, with the firm backing of the Solid Waste Department and the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) has instituted a “No Tolerance” to sidewalk vending, which became effective from Monday September 1, 2006.


The Police were on hand to see that there was a smooth transition. But many are asking, “How long will this last?” Reports are that the Police will have a continuous presence in the city to keep the peace and ensure that law and order is maintained. Superintendent Ted Toussaint says that illegal sidewalk vending is an offence under section 137, Chapter one of Volume one of the Laws of Grenada. He indicated that the police would be working closely with the Ministry of Works to halt sidewalk vending.

“Over the past years we have noticed an increase in the sale of alcohol and DVDS in the city. We are now happy to work with the Ministry of Works to ensure this is stopped. The sale of alcohol beverages will be prohibited”, Superintendent Toussaint told reporters. He made it abundantly clear that only License Liquor Dealers will be allowed to sell alcohol and alcohol beverages. The Superintendent also pointed out that the issuing of occasional license is now a thing of the past.

He also warned that the selling of DVD’s and CD’s on the sidewalk has also been outlawed. “Although the law is not clear on it, we are saying it is immoral to be on the sidewalk taking up space and selling other people’s property, because they are not original. We cannot continue to allow persons to be blocking the sidewalk and obstructing passersby. We are going to ensure that persons refrain from using the sidewalk or footway as the law has it”, Superintendent Toussaint”, remarked.