The Castries Constituency Council (CCC) is taking strong action to find other venues for these small business owners to operate to alleviate the congestion of vendors in the city centre.
Derek Walcott Square has been suggested by the CCC as a new location for entrepreneurs. The council is dedicated to putting in place equitable policies that assist vendors, business owners, and pedestrians alike since it understands the difficulties that sellers have.
A revised schedule has been sent to vendors currently operating on William Peter Boulevard in an effort to broaden the business landscape. While Monday through Wednesday will be designated as vendor-free days, Thursday through Saturday will be the only days that vendors have access to the Boulevard.
The CCC has effectively accommodated vendors along Derek Walcott Square, fostering a more favorable trade climate, despite early opposition from vendors worried about possible disruptions to their companies.
Geraldine Lendor-Gabriel, the mayor of Castries, is optimistic that this project would encourage a harmonious cohabitation of merchants, pedestrians, and entrepreneurs.
She recently told reporters, “The city’s focus is to ensure we achieve a balance in our operations.”
Mayor Lendor-Gabriel stressed that although Thursday through Saturday is a good time for vendors to sell their goods, Monday through Wednesday will be a vending-free day on the Boulevard.
“This gives pedestrian traffic a clear and uncrowded route during the week, and it allows local businesses that serve similar products to operate without competition,” she said. “We expect the Boulevard to see more foot traffic in the later part of the week.”
She also advises vendors to take into account evening hours in order to accommodate clients who are leaving work. “I want to see vendors improve their offerings so that people can stop by, look at their products, and buy them in the evenings after work,” she stated.
Additionally, Mayor Lendor-Gabriel recommends that businesses add music to the setting to make it more lively for everyone.