Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says the government will provide financial support to vendors affected by the redevelopment at the Castries Vendor Arcade, once their losses are assessed.
He made the promise after receiving an update on the transition of vendors, some of whom are not satisfied with the arrangements that have been made for their relocation. The vendors were recently displaced due to ongoing works by Global Ports Holdings (GPH) to the Castries waterfront which encompasses the location of the Vendor Arcade.
A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister on Thursday said Pierre was satisfied with progress on the renovation and expansion works and expressed his desire for the works be completed as soon as possible.
The demolition of the arcade started just over a week ago and vendors were expected to relocate to a nearby site on Jeremie Street. However, President of the Craft and Dry Goods Vendors Association, Peter Ras Ipa Isaac, had said that the temporary facility, located at the site of the former fire station was incomplete. Isaac said that in addition, there were no toilet facilities to accommodate the vendors. The vendors association president had also asserted that some form of compensation should be paid to the vendors for loss of earnings during the period of transition.
In a statement on Thursday, Pierre confirmed that eligible vendors will receive assistance once an assessment is completed.
“Some form of financial support will be given to vendors who meet the requirements for that level of support,” he said, without outlining the criteria.
The Prime Minister has requested a detailed report examining vendors’ financial circumstances, relocation costs, and estimated loss of earnings during the transition period. The findings will guide the level of assistance to be provided.
“I want to assure the vendors that the government will always see about the benefit of the people. The government will maintain that the people of Saint Lucia must come first, and very shortly, an announcement will be made on the level of support that will be given to the vendors involved,” he added.
The Castries Vendor Arcade redevelopment is part of wider efforts to improve trading conditions and modernise vending facilities in the capital.
Thanks PM for the gesture. It’s going to be difficult to estimate the displacement cost. Hope it will be administered in a fair and just way. We need to take care of our people and not just the interest of the rich and powerful. Also, I must make it clear that the vendors must pay their rent.
PM Pierre, the man with the golden heart.