Dear Editor,
The presence of the Vice Chairperson for Region 2 and the Chairman of the Riverstown/Annandale Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) was not at all helpful in preventing the escalating lawlessness that is a common occurrence every Sunday morning at the Suddie Market Square. Vending takes place there twice weekly, alsoon Wednesdays when business activities are much less.
A spacious fenced compound with a one flat building is being provided to accommodate vendors with much of the available space in and outside the building remaining unoccupied. The big problem is that the administration is totally impotent and incompetent and appears incapable of regularizing the use of spots by vendors who are allowed to do as they please.
Surprisingly, there are more vendors plying their trade outside the market area on the parapet of the road, for which the administration must be blamed; it is tolerating a dangerous precedent and has created a monster that it cannot now control. Even plucked chicken is being sold outside by the main entrance and on the parapet, when according to the plans the selling of meat should take place at the back of the market compound.
The vendors are encumbering the main roadway leading to the market, which is a traffic hazard. Many times it becomes impassable for vehicles because of the display of items for sale. Even the entrances of permanent business places are being blocked by the vendors, with the owners getting no redress from the administration for their predicament.
The administration needs to implement a stringent policy to exterminate this lawlessness once and for all. It is quite manifest that the administration is failing miserably to serve the people who elected them.
Yours faithfully,
Baliram Persaud
