Smugglers Cove vendors ordered to cease “illegal” operation
The vendors were handed their letters by Police officers with the presence of officials from the Health Department who also clamped down on those selling food.
Virgin Islands News Online was the first to bring to light the long standing issue among vendors on Smugglers Cove Beach regarding vending spots and who was entitled to operate at which location. The situation had escalated on February 4, 2012 when an argument between two vendors on the matter turned into an altercation and resulted in both vendors being charged.
And more recently, this news site had also brought to light, following disclosure in the Standing Finance Committee, that the 8 to 10 vendors operating on the beach were doing so illegally – a disclosure that was made by Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour Ronald Berkley.
The PS stated that, “about eight to ten vendors operate at the beach illegally”. Mr. Smith-Berkeley told the SFC that since he took up office he had met with them at least three times regarding their operations and all the issues on the beach and the way they behaved and hustled the tourists, but nothing had changed.
However, Virgin Islands News Online was previously informed by 1st District Representative Hon. Andrew Fahie that he was in discussion with Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Hon. Dr. Kedrick Pickering and that a tentative solution was forthcoming for the situation and discussions with vendors were also forthcoming.
Yesterday, many of the vendors were appalled to be given the letters to stop their operation, citing that they had expected to have meetings with the authorities and had even called for such so they can regularise their businesses but was hoping to do so while still being able to operate.
The letter received by one vendor from the Consumer and Trade Department stated that, he had neither sought nor have a Trade License to operate and was therefore engaged in an illegal activity.
The letter further stated “Consequently you are hereby given notice to immediately cease and desist from the operation of the said business activity until you have obtained the requisite license”.
The letter also stated that if they had any queries to visit the Department.Several efforts were made to reach Director for Trade and Consumer Affairs Ms. Lizette George but up to publication time, there has been no response.
Dealt with differentlySome of the vendors who spoke to this news site are of the view that the situation could have been handled differently since the department was well aware of the situation and talks were planned to find an amicable way to address the issue rather than “take bread out of our mouths” and many of them have been operating there for “years”.
In a previous interview with vendors on February 4, 2012, they had called for a system to be put in place to manage their operations and most said they were prepared to follow the procedures. Some vendors this news site spoke with have been operating at the area for 10 to 15 years.
Yesterday, one vendor, a Virgin Islander, stated that he is not going anywhere and that though he received the letter it did not apply to him and he will be getting his lawyers to deal with it. He said the whole situation reached this stage after a few vendors which did not include him, were having issues and now everyone is being affected.
“They didn’t have to act like this,” said another local vendor who disclosed that he has applied for a Trade License to operate the said business but “they kept turning it down”.
He said while he can understand the Health department’s issue as well, they could at least still allow those vendors not selling food to continue their trade while the issues are resolved and documents acquired.“The government can put in some stalls and rent the vendors and make sure we do the right thing and have uniforms etc,” he said nothing that they can also work on putting the requisite facilities such as bathrooms etc.
Not consulted or informed – Fahie
Meanwhile, when contacted, Representative of the 1st District Hon. Andrew Fahie said he was not consulted nor informed by the Government prior nor during this current course of action taken but has received a confirmation for a meeting on the subject next week by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour where he will put forward his concerns and recommendations.
“This doesn't mean that I approve or disapprove of the course of action, however, the solutions being derived with the ongoing discussions with the Minister of Natural Resources and myself as First District Representative after consultation with the people should be allowed to play a greater role in any current or future decisions to be made by the Government for the Smugglers Cove area,” he said.
He said as the District Representative, his intention is to ensure that all activities and businesses that operate in that area do so legally and are properly regulated continuously and Government must ensure that the people of the First District be given priority to secure any spot available to operate business at Smugglers Cove.
“I have an architect that has drawn a comprehensive plan for the Smugglers Cove area that I am confident that once the Government gives me the audience promised they and the people of the 1st District will find favour with.”
Fahie said he will remain steadfast in purpose and diligent in action in finding amicable solutions for that and other problems in the First District and urged persons of the 1st District as well as the people of this Territory to email him their input on any other possible solutions in relations to the Smugglers Cove situation at afahiefirstdistrictrep@gmail.com.
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