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Beach vendors charged following altercation over “selling spot”

The scene where the altercation took place on Saturday morning February 4, 2012 between two vendors at Smugglers Cove. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - On Saturday February 4, 2012, an argument between two vendors regarding 'who was selling in whose spot' at Smugglers Cove resulted in an altercation between the two and charges laid.

Devin Parson of Carrot Bay, 42 was charged with wounding while Luvan Francis of Meyers was charged with common assault. Both were granted police bail.

According to information reaching Virgin Islands News Online the incident took place on Saturday morning when one vendor, who had allegedly occupied a particular spot on the beach for several years where he rents chairs, asked a newcomer to remove himself from that location.

It is unclear what caused the physical attack or how it started but concerns have since been raised by other vendors regarding the frequent conflict among vendors and the impact it can have on their businesses.

8 Responses to “Beach vendors charged following altercation over “selling spot””

  • lets be real (06/02/2012, 13:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ban them both. Simple!
  • Thinker (06/02/2012, 13:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Move all of them, they're illegal. Set up a proper vendor system down there, I would hate to see Smugglers turn in to Cane Garden Bay with a free for all, harassing people when they come to take a simple bath in the sea and relax. Everything is about a dollar for these people. Sickening man. Nothing is wrong with making a living, but I have been there and see them literally harassing people, especially the poor tourists. if you have stuff on sale, visibly, if people want they will ask. Stop harassing the people!
  • Falco (06/02/2012, 13:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don't agree with a ban. I know Parsons renting chairs on that beach for some years, so where did Francis come from all of a sudden. However, there is a correct way to deal with things, and Parsons did not deal with this issue in the proper way.
    • Mama Sue (06/02/2012, 14:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I agree with you Flaco. Francis had been loacated else where for many years and should go back to his usual place of business. He makes confusion every where he goes.
  • west end (06/02/2012, 16:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    some body going die down on that beach..too much geed
    • where them? (06/02/2012, 22:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      for real its a sad sistuation..where is the government in all this????
  • Canadian friend (06/02/2012, 16:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I was there in December using chairs from another vendor when my friend went to talk to someone she knew and he told her she must not come in his area or talk to his customers. My friend was sitting in the sand beside chairs that these people did rent from him and was accused of talking about him which was nonsense she hadn't seen these people for 2 years and was just catching up.
  • Clean them out (06/02/2012, 20:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Beach "vendors" should be licensed and regulated by the government. Don't know how any of the food vendors get away with serving to the public without proper sanitary facilities. Third world country at it's best. Can't hardly go to the beach without "Sit here", "Buy this" "Want a drink". Money grubbers.


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