Letter to the Editor: Temporary Reprieve Risks Long-Term Delays in City Clean-Up
Dear Editor,
While compassion and dialogue are necessary components of any public policy shift, I am concerned that the recent reprieve granted to street vendors along Market Street and All Saints Road may signal the beginning of yet another drawn-out delay in efforts to restore order and cleanliness to the heart of St. John’s.
The Acting Prime Minister’s decision to allow vending to continue over Holy Thursday and Saturday — after clear directives were issued by the St. John’s Development Cooperation — undermines the seriousness of the clean-up initiative and sets a troubling precedent.
If rules are made only to be bent under pressure, what confidence can the public have that this transition will be seen through in a timely and effective manner?
We have seen this pattern before: firm decisions get softened, timelines shift, and what was intended to be a short transitional phase drags on for months or even years. The city cannot afford further stagnation.
The vendors were informed that they would be moved to alternate spots within the public market — a fair compromise if managed properly. The government must stand by its plans and avoid creating loopholes that could be exploited indefinitely.
Sympathy for the vendors is understandable, but structure and enforcement are equally important. The longer the authorities delay full implementation, the harder it will be to reclaim order.
Sincerely,
Alexaandrina
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When Politics meets Policy we end up with Phuckery!!!
I totally agree with this letter. While I understand the plight of the vendors with the wholly weekend sales issue, a precedent may have just been set. I will not be surprise if I was t o hear about more grace period.
The Government should shoulder the blame for this one. The deadline should not of been just before the Easter weekend. Set a deadline that is reasonable. Over reasonable in fact, so much so that the affected vendors will have no excuse, and we the public will be more behind the move.
But for the record. I support the move. Longing to be able to walk on sidewalks again.
Great post
The next thing is the vendors will be given until labor day to move, then it will be whit Monday and on,and on..
Only in antigua. Smh🤔
I agree with this post in its entirety. However, better late than never! The SJDC has been caught sleeping and snoring on the job and was roughly aroused from their slumber by well-intentioned taxpayers who simply demanded redress from the powers that be. So they came out swinging in a way that satisfied most. HOWEVER , there is always a case for tempering justice with mercy, and this Holy Easter season is one such. This is the season, on the religious. calendar to which most Antiguans subscribe, in which the virtues of love, forgiveness, penitentiary and service to mankind – ALL of God’s children, should take center stage.
We acknowledge that the SJDC through its own negligence allowed this problem to fester out of control. We appreciate that the problem must be dealt with firmly and effectively. BUT given the personal turmoil that this “sudden” show of force will inevitably cause to fellow Antiguans, fellow neighbours, perhaps even fellow worshippers in our churches and tabernacles, what irreparable harm could there be for allowing a few days GRACE period? We should never allow our hearts and minds to become so hardened that we become easy prey for the Devil whose only aim is to recruit members for the final count-down -God vs Satan, Heaven vs Hell, Good vs Evil.
To the powers that be, note carefully that taxpayers demand action and will NOT take a backseat to political pandering . Time for decisive action is at hang.
Temporary reprieve or campaign strategy????
It will have long term delays.
The vendors will want their pound of flesh.
So for anyone thinking that they can come and brainwash vendors to keep this cabal in office they are wrong.
Think back on the Perry Bay issue.
The Spanish are still there.
There is more children in that community than ants in a nest.
Good luck!!!
* penitence not penitentiary! Correction
I agree with this post in its entirety. However, better late than never! The SJDC has been caught sleeping and snoring on the job and was roughly aroused from their slumber by well-intentioned taxpayers who simply demanded redress from the powers that be. So they came out swinging in a way that satisfied most. HOWEVER , there is always a case for tempering justice with mercy, and this Holy Easter season is one such. This is the season, on the religious. calendar to which most Antiguans subscribe, in which the virtues of love, forgiveness, penitence and service to mankind – ALL of God’s children, should take center stage.
We acknowledge that the SJDC through its own negligence allowed this problem to fester out of control. We appreciate that the problem must be dealt with firmly and effectively. BUT given the personal turmoil that this “sudden” show of force will inevitably cause to fellow Antiguans, fellow neighbours, perhaps even fellow worshippers in our churches and tabernacles, what irreparable harm could there be for allowing a few days GRACE period? We should never allow our hearts and minds to become so hardened that we become easy prey for the Devil whose only aim is to recruit members for the final count-down -God vs Satan, Heaven vs Hell, Good vs Evil.
To the powers that be, note carefully that taxpayers demand action and will NOT take a backseat to political pandering . Time for decisive action is at hand.
That’s why market street, and town in general look so..
Government stop pandering for votes and enforce the law!.
Geez, everything has to be political!
Get them off the streets and keep them off. No negotiations necessary. #KeepAntiguaAndBarbudaClean