Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, Donville Inniss, addressing yesterday’s proceedings. Looking on is the Barbados Association of Retailers, Vendors and Entrepreneurs (BARVEN) President, Alister Alexander.
Improvements to the Barbados Association of Retailers, Vendors and Entrepreneurs (BARVEN) Temporary Outdoor Market could be on the way.
Minister of Commerce and Small Business Development, Donville Inniss, told vendors at this location yesterday that his ministry “proposes to provide the resources as a matter of urgency to commence work on improving the BARVEN facility here in this location”.
The minister’s remarks followed his comment that one seldom hears about upgrades for the vending community when one hears about plans to revitalise sections of The City.
“I heard others speak about revitalising Bridgetown by way of upgrades to larger buildings that are owned by Corporate Barbados, by road improvement, of drainage and lighting, but I have hardly heard a conversation about revitalization of Bridgetown that includes our average men and women known as vendors and the vending community.
“I believe that in any society, any city in particular, vending in many respects is a magnet that draws people towards exploring the city. It is rather unfortunate that Bridgetown has been allowed to drift and to go the direction that it has gone, but any revitalization of Bridgetown must include a vibrant vending community.”
Inniss also used the occasion to speak about the importance of vending and vendors, noting that “we in Barbados have had a tendency over the years to turn up our noses a bit at vending in this society.” He stated that there is a need for “a change in mindset towards vending in Barbados.”
“My view as Minister responsible for Small Business and Commerce is that it is high time that vending and vendors gain the level of respect that they so rightfully deserve in our economy. Gone must be the days that those who seek to make an honest living in our midst are shepherded off the streets and shepherded into back alleys in some very seemingly unkempt circumstances, that is no way to treat our people.”
Responding to Inniss’ comment that the Ministry “will start as a matter of urgency to look at providing physical improvement” at the market, BARVEN President, Alister Alexander, told The Barbados Advocate that he will “hold the Minister to his words”. He also pointed out that the vendors have been operating from the temporary location prior to Barbados’ hosting of matches for the 2007 Cricket World Cup.
“I don’t believe in playing politics. I believe that every politician should be about the people and about the development of the people. This is an issue which is a national issue. Vendors support all the parties, so it should not be a partisan affair in no way. So we thank the minister in playing his role in doing what he can do to move us forward. We take him to be serious because we believe that a man’s word should be honourable and I am not cynical about politicians when they say they will do this or do that because I believe that – as you promise you should do!”