by Cheryl Fletcher
The apparent fecundity of our hen population leads me to conclude that we can do a lot better than blocking traffic in 3 places along Kirani James Boulevard to hawk eggs.
How about gourmet chocolate eggnog, made with the world’s richest cocoa and a sprinkling of Grenada’s black gold? Value-added, I believe it’s called?
We are near the bottom of a very slippery slope with this business of roadside vending. To begin with, our roads were not built to handle the volume of traffic they’re now experiencing. To compound the issue, our bus drivers seem to think they own the roads. They stop willy-nilly to pick up passengers, with conductors who have anointed themselves traffic wardens standing in the middle of the road to direct traffic. When they make a pretence of using the bus stops, they refuse to pull into the lay-by in places where those exist, because heaven forbid the bus behind them reach the terminal first.
In an exacerbation of this dilemma, many vehicle owners have nowhere to park, and turn the road alongside their dwelling into their personal parking lot, or mechanical garage, or graveyard for derelicts. I thought roads were for moving cars, not stationary ones. Remember when Green and H A Blaize streets were 2-way thoroughfares? At the rate we’re going, a large number of our main roads are on the way to joining them, cases in point Beausejour, Marian, Mt Plaisir… I could go on throughout the country. But with no alternate route, where will we drive?
Let’s not even get started on the increasing number of business places located in places where there’s nowhere to park. Long gone are the days when vehicle ownership was exclusive to a privileged few. Think the folks in the planning unit take this into account?
And now we have an ever-growing number of undoubtedly hardworking Grenadians trying to eke out a living by selling eggs, farm produce, fish, the ubiquitous bbq/fried chicken, watermelons, coconut water, shoe repair services, you name it, to passing motorists. This is simply not sustainable.
The solution involves political will, law, order, and discipline. Over to you, powers-that-be. Prove the cynic in me wrong, just this once.
Dear Ms puff piece writer,
Sounds like its a narrow, bitter opinion.Therefore my opinion is that the behaviours of these bus men are indeed bothersome. When in traffic, its a nuisance that they refuse to use the bus stops to drop off/pick up passengers. Instead they choose to stop in the middle of the road to do this. This is why traffic cops have to be see on all the streets of the country, and not just in the town for a few hours on mornings.
People are spending their money for their vehicles, and can do as they wish within the law. Grenada is not unique in having persons parking next to their homes. This happens quite frequently in first world countries including the UK. Sounds like you are quite resentful that the common man can now own a vehicle. Hmmm… Makes me wonder if you think you are entitled, and others are not.
Roadside vendors are a feature all over the world, including NYC. If they are not obstructing the roads/sidewalks, what is your issue? The person diving by and wanting to make a purchase, should find a spot to park that does not obstruct the road to do their business.
I agree that roadside vending should not be for alcohol and the like, but food and other necessary items should be fine.
If you have an issue, then request that the government organise a central area that is larger than the city market, for people to peddle their wares. I suggest a playing field for an outdoor market or a large open indoor market. Now here is your solution miss.
Well said! I was thinking whether or not these eggs are healthy sitting in the sun for hours?
People can get all sorts of food poisoning from salmonella etc.
I understand the plight of these farmers but let’s not make a terrible situation worse for someone or more.
Cheryl – maybe the vendors should use the same bus stop lay-by’s that the buses don’t want to!!
Seriously though I totally agree with your article – I want to support these vendors in their efforts but the way they are going about it now is just not safe in many cases (the Egmont gap area springs to mind).
Knights Auto also springs to mind as a business place with insufficient parking on a dangerous stretch of road….
Government is well aware of these things but seems to lack the will to do anything about it….
They say they are going to re-vamp the planning unit so I hope we see improvements in the future.
Excellent observation Cheryl. I’ve been noticing the trend, and must agree with you. If this is not managed it could lead to just what you envisioned. Government needs to identify vacant lots/ buildings for people who want to sell.
I understand that people are trying to make a living, but it needs to be managed so we don’t end up with chaos on our roads. I recall when Melville Street had no vending shacks on it. Now “we” have allowed it to grow it has become a challenge to traffic. Yet there are empty buildings in town that could be demolished and cleared to make space for such vending. The ‘Powers That Be’ need to think beyond …
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Poor article. This makes no sense. Everyone is trying to make a dollar in and every way possible .that you want them fo do?
Excellent article for too many Caribbean cities looking musty and funky. There is a right way and a wrong way. Do you think Grenada needs to look chaotic like Nigeria or Haiti? Take a look at Barbados and a lot of the vendors taking the same bad habits there also. Was in St Vincent recently and the streets are not only smelly but unsightly. Mediocrity has a companion call poverty which is a catalyst for crime as well as social disorder. Lift wunna game!
Why is this a poor article Serana, are you one of those who see nothing wrong with this occupation?
Yes, I agree everyone needs too make a dollar or even “eat a food” as is often quoted.
What should those individuals do..Avoid obstructing the free flow of ever increasing traffic, find an ares where it is possible for their customers and vehicles to park without causing obstruction, join in with fellow vendors and rent a suitable property. yes, I do mean PAY RENT!!
And the authorities; – clear these vendors from areas where it is likely to cause obstruction, ensure vehicles are parked property and 2ft away from the roadside, stop issuing food and beverage licence to premises whereby customers have nowhere to safely a-light and make their purchase, especially at lunchtime.
Those who label you as wrong does not have eyes to see.
Well written and expressed… truth 100%