Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, pictured buying produce at the BARVEN Outdoor Market on Saturday, says Government will be bringing legislation to ensure that illegal vending is decriminalised. (C.Pitt/BGIS)
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley is assuring scores of vendors across Barbados that Government will be bringing comprehensive vendor legislation to ensure that illegal vending is decriminalised.
While addressing vendors, cabinet colleagues and other specially invited guests at an appreciation ceremony at BARVEN Super Outdoor Market last Saturday, Ms. Mottley said that she regrets that the process has been lengthy.
She declared that all citizens must live, adding that “we must not allow entrepreneurship to continue to be criminalised in this country, and if I have a regret, it is that it has taken as long for us to bring the comprehensive vending legislation”.
She further stated: “We took a decision as a Government not to simply decriminalise illegal vending, but in the same way we have a deal for tourism, in the same way we have a deal for small business, we must have a deal for vendors and small people in this country as well. The legislative framework cannot simply be about decriminalisation of illegal vending, but must also be about the platform to move them to the next level.”
The Prime Minister also touted Government’s Trust Loan Programme as the vehicle to get Barbadians started and “making their dreams real”.
