Vendors and vending

May 25, 2010 Letters

Dear Editor,
Firstly, let me state that I recognise that this topic is a contentious one, with viable arguments both condoning and opposing its continuity.
However, when decisions are to be made concerning the orderliness, smooth operation and health of the populace, no prejudice or affiliations (political or otherwise) should influence those decisions.
The issue of vending seems to be caught “between a rock and a hard place.”
Objective analyses should highlight the advantages and disadvantages, and these findings based on scientific study, acceptable and appropriate solutions maybe proposed.
The most obvious advantage of vending is the generation of employment and income by these small “entrepreneurs.” Most of these vendors cannot hire help, so their relatives, mostly offsprings, are the un-paid, “voluntary” help.
The countless trays, stands, carts and sometimes semi-permanent, deplorable structures, pose serious health and traffic hazards.
As I traverse the side-walks/pavements, which by the way was built for pedestrians, thereby staying off the roadways and away from vehicular traffic, the confusion caused by cleaning and fixing i.e. setting up activities of vendors is disruptive, loud, vulgar, abusive, disrespectful, unjust and un-natural.
Vendors stand in the middle of any side-walk, sweeping with or without water, and refuse to stop when pedestrians are approaching.
If for any reason, you the passerby who has been soiled or inconvenienced make any comment, you will get a lesson in your family’s history as well as vivid descriptions of your anatomy and that of your relatives, especially your mother.
The vending spot becomes day-care for young children, restaurant, café, bath and toilet, storage, hanging/meeting spot for friends, family and sundry, always resulting in no space to walk.
The stench from accumulated refuge, stool, urine and other forms of waste present a frightening picture health wise.
The more worrying issue to me though, is the development of a permanent underclass with the illusion of private entrepreneurship.
These enterprises can never be profitable enough for businesses to grow, but then again, I don’t think growth is the intent.
The assortment of deplorable and dangerous attachments displaying a variety of merchandise for sale, speak volumes of the intent of these “businesses”. Children spend hours at these locations away from school and are exposed to the most raucous, vulgar, aggressive, “ignoramus” behaviour displayed as a common feature wherever vending is allowed.
The argument that these vendors have to make a living is valid but should be “re-tooled” with vocational training and commercial centres dispersed through densely populated areas for those who still want to pursue business as a “profession”. Citizens must understand that the state through its education systems prepare its work force.
Vending provides individual income, upon which many do not pay income taxes.
The income earned by such ventures seems “pale” when compared to potential revenue lost of legitimate businesses because of reduce sales.
Legitimate businesses also provide employment, not “volunteered help,” which in turn reduces unemployment and raises the amount of taxes collected, so roads, schools and other facilities vendors take for granted, may be maintained or expanded for our bulging city population.
Guyana will remain a “basket-case” instead of being the “bread-basket” of the Caribbean with such a large percentage of its population being functionally illiterate and resorts to vending.
It amazes me that other citizens, support these ventures through purchases that are exploitive (usually 100-150% mark-up) and a health hazard in the case of food and beverages.
If vending in its present operational state is left unregulated and a “free for all”, then it will only serve to perpetuate the development and widening of an underclass of moral and social misfits.
Bilaal Eusi Nantambu

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