Vendors covered in manifesto, says Blackett

A common sense document.

That’s how Democratic Labour Party (DLP) candidate for St. Michael Central, Steve Blackett, described the party’s Manifesto while speaking at a national meeting in Eagle Hall over the weekend, where he said it is unlike the Barbados Labour Party’s (BLP) Manifesto, which is full of “handouts and blandishments”.

“It is a solid document, building on the gains we would have achieved over the last ten years, reinforcing the achievement of that particular administration and providing the roadmap for future development. That is what this Manifesto does.”

Of note, he said, was the emphasis on vendors and recognising their importance to Barbadian society.

“I believe that vendors in this country, I believe their time has come to be recognised and to take their place in society and being part of the formal retail sector in Barbados. Because I have more respect for some of the vendors, hawkers, huskers in Barbados than I have for some of the retailers in town and the private business sector who are glorified shopkeepers,” he said.

“I feel that the vendors in Barbados should be the most respected part of the formal retail sector in Barbados. We as a government recognise this and implanted in the bowels of our Manifesto is a new approach to vending in Barbados. A new DLP
administration will view vendors with respect,” he said.

“We are saying in our Manifesto and it is our guiding light in this particular area, that vendors will no longer after the first working day of our administration, or when we enact the piece of legislation to ensure that vendors no longer need a licence to operate in Barbados. That is the direction we are going. They just have to go and register with the Ministry of Commerce and all will be well. I believe we should start treating these people with respect and dignity which they deserve,” he said.

Blackett, while responding to claims that the BLP has always championed the cause of vendors, reminded the party faithful of the treatment of vendors in Rockers Alley, those selling in front of the then Furniture Ltd., and the removal of the kiosks on Deacons Road as examples of an uncaring BLP government.

He gave the assurance that new vending areas will be created, especially on the ABC Highway and other highways for persons to sell their wares. (JH)