Vendors at the Castries Vendors Arcade are grappling with significant anxiety and uncertainty as Global Ports Holding (GPH) commenced its EC $135 million redevelopment project.
As demolition commenced this week, many business owners were left scrambling for answers about their future operations and survival during this transition.
Peter “Ras Ipa” Isaac, President of the Vendors Craft and Dry Goods Association, voiced his concerns to reporters, emphasizing that vendors were only recently informed that they must vacate the facility by May 15.
They now face the daunting task of occupying a temporary structure that is still under construction.
“In initial consultations with GPH, we were assured that the Vendors Arcade would not be demolished until a new facility was completed,” Isaac stated.
“However, the reality we face now is quite different, and there seems to be no clear relocation plan in place,” he said.
Isaac elaborated that vendors were given minimal notice about the demolition and a clear forward plan was severely lacking as it relates to the continuation of their businesses.
Instead, they are left to search for available spaces around town, with no financial assistance for their relocation.
The first phase of the project is currently underway at the old Fire Station site, where 44 new vending units are being constructed on the lower end of Jeremie Street.
However, Isaac expressed doubt about the adequacy of these temporary premises, noting that only a structural frame has been erected, and vital facilities such as bathrooms are nonexistent.
As demolition and construction progress, vendors are increasingly alarmed about vague relocation plans, potential revenue losses during the transition, and fears of significantly higher rental fees when the new facility is completed.
While the authorities and the Saint Lucia Cruise Port (SLCP) promote the multi-million-dollar upgrade as a means for improved operations and increased tourism revenue, the transition proves to be highly challenging for the vendors.
Key Concerns and Updates:
– Uncertainty Over Relocation: Many vendors have expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding their temporary operating locations during construction. Initial assurances regarding the timeline have not materialized.
– Concerns About Fees: Vendors are worried about rising maintenance costs and rental fees associated with the redeveloped facility.
– Management Oversight: The Castries Constituency Council (CCC) will oversee rental and maintenance of the new vending spaces.
– Promises of Support: SLCP management has pledged to provide training in financial management, customer service, e-commerce, and advertising to help vendors enhance their revenue.
Despite these promises, vendors remain skeptical about the GPH upgrades. The development aims to modernize the facility, but many vendors are concerned about the affordability and viability of their businesses during this transition.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has stepped in to seemingly save the day.
After receiving an update on the transition thus far the island’s PM said he was satisfied with the progress to date and has expressed his desire to have the project fully completed in the shortest possible time.
The PM was also reportedly briefed on the dissatisfaction expressed by affected vendors which also played out on social media. “Some form of financial support will be given to vendors who meet the requirements for that level of support. I want to assure the vendors that the government will always see about the benefit of the people. The government will maintain that the people of St. Lucia must come first and very shortly an announcement will be made on the level of support that we’ve given to the vendors involved.”
The prime minister has reportedly requested a detailed report on the financial status of vendors, relocation costs and estimated loss of earnings during the transition period. The findings are expected to guide the government on the level of assistance to be provided to affected vendors in relation to the transition period.