By Kisean Joseph
A ‘flea market’ to accommodate local vendors is set to be established in St John’s in a bid to reduce what officials describe as “untidiness” in the city.
Cabinet spokesman Lionel Hurst said the government’s aim is not to eliminate vending opportunities but to reorganise them in a more structured manner.
“It is not the Cabinet’s intention to throw anyone into a state of unemployment,” he said, highlighting the importance of providing alternatives before implementing changes.
The initiative, which will be rolled out in the coming weeks, targets various vending locations across St John’s, including areas near the TN Kirnon School and along Old Parham Road. These sites, currently occupied with individual vendor stalls, have been identified as contributing to the city’s unkempt appearance.
The proposed flea market concept draws inspiration from similar setups in North American cities. The government envisions a centralised location where vendors can sell their wares, similar to the existing “Bendung” market.
This consolidated approach aims to offer greater control over vending operations while eliminating what Hurst termed “odd-looking” structures that currently populate the cityscape.
A key aspect of the new regulations will be the eventual prohibition of erecting booths in public spaces. This measure seeks to address the “disorder” that current vending practices produce, which Hurst argues is “antithetical to what is required if we are to have a city that continues to attract visitors who wish to spend money with us”.
The government’s initiative is two-pronged, focusing on both economic development and aesthetic improvement. By creating a more organised and appealing vending environment, officials hope to enhance St John’s attractiveness to both residents and tourists.
Hurst underscored the economic rationale behind the move, stating that visitors come “with the expectation of being able to spend their resources with us”.
As the government prepares to communicate stricter rules governing vending in St John’s, the focus remains on balancing the needs of local vendors with the city’s broader economic and aesthetic goals.
The coming weeks will be crucial as the government finalises and communicates the details of the new regulations. Vendors and residents alike will be watching closely to see how these changes will reshape the commercial landscape of St John’s and impact the local economy.
