Worldwide, people migrate to cities or try not to give up an opportunity to hustle within, as it seems to most that’s the best surroundings to make a dollar legitimately or otherwise.
In the past, most people were contended to work to make ends meet, but getting a job has become a tedious task these days and for varying reasons, quite a large number of people remain unemployed.
To counteract this predicament, lots of people have ventured into having their own enterprise, or basically working for themselves.
But the problem comes from where do you operate from, where to ply your trade, because in eking out a living, you need to be stable, always available, consistent and visible.
Commercial renting space is prohibitive in price within the city circuit and building your own cubicle can be both prohibitive and require planning or city permission – and in some cases, you can simply be in an unlawful location. So, the human jungle thickens, and like sardines, persons are forced to squeeze themselves in already congested market spaces, or on sidewalks and corner spots, with or without permission.
The state, on the other hand, welcomes self-empowerment and self-employment, but has not invested in this growing need by constructing or erecting factory-type sheds, or create selective spaces to accommodate the many in need and those that have taken such initiatives. They can in many ways bargain with house owners and abandoned business spaces or houses and offer them transferable land and utilize these spaces to accommodate this growing trade.
Granted, many would rather the Government did the roads, or offer them technological advances, assist with utilities, or give them grants or loans, coupled with concessions of all types. But it is necessary to view development from a humanistic perspective and deal with these emerging needs.
The emphasis is on high-end projects and projects that will make the Government of the day look good, or boost the ego of some parliamentarian or minister, ensuring him or her possible re-election, but not having the vision to really deal with the real wants and needs.
If the City Center is congested, it should be obvious and logical that the outskirts or extended City spaces should be utilized.
People don’t mind moving from their existing space or spot, if the deal is good, or the alternative home or business site is feasible.
But the exchange must be fair and justified and in the interest of growth, the new thinking should be about facilitating at minimal or reasonable cost, but to expect nationals to deal with the space issues on their own is no different than keeping them in poverty.
The politics of today has to change, our values must also change with the times, and most of all the people must be satisfied that the Government of the day, or the future, always cares about their welfare, regardless what side you support, be it Red, Green, Blue, or Yellow.
Our neglected City of Castries can become a thriving commercial hub, a sustainable part of the country, and the envy of the rest of the Eastern Caribbean, but only if our leaders show they have the vision and the right supportive advice – and stop surrounding themselves with blindfolded hacks.