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The government of Antigua and Barbuda is set to establish a ‘flea market’ in St John’s, aiming to address what officials term “untidiness” in the city while preserving vending opportunities for locals. Cabinet spokesman Lionel Hurst emphasized that the initiative’s goal is to restructure vending practices rather than eliminate them.
“It is not the Cabinet’s intention to throw anyone into a state of unemployment,” Hurst stated, stressing the importance of providing alternatives before implementing changes. The plan, scheduled to roll 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.
The proposed flea market concept, inspired by similar setups in North American cities, envisions a centralized location for vendors, comparable to the existing “Bendung” market. This consolidated approach aims to offer greater control over vending operations while eliminating what Hurst described as “odd-looking” structures currently dotting 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 initiative is designed to balance economic development with aesthetic improvement. By creating a more organized and appealing vending environment, officials hope to enhance St John’s attractiveness to both residents and tourists. Hurst underscored the economic rationale, noting that visitors come “with the expectation of being able to spend their resources with us”.
As the government prepares to implement stricter rules governing vending in St John’s, the focus remains on reconciling the needs of local vendors with the city’s broader economic and aesthetic objectives. The coming weeks will be crucial as officials finalize and communicate the details of the new regulations, with vendors and residents closely watching how these changes will reshape the commercial landscape of St John’s and impact the local economy.
Source: Observer NewsCo Ltd.
Yes,being more organised would always benefit them it gets a little out of hand sometimes
It would be better for the venders
I’m happy they’re thinking of the people,the economy could always be better once people start look out for each other and not only for themself
This is sorely needed and is an awesome udea for the current state of affairs is unsightly and unsafe. Let’s make this a reality really soon.
Good idea but the vendors occupy those spots because of the foot and vehicle traffic that they expect in those areas. So, they should be moved to a neater, more organized space in the same area so that they can continue to get their loyal customers. So, instead of one flea market there should be several small locations around the place.
This should be thought through thoroughly. What areas of the city are for locals, which are for tourists, and which are for both? Most hotel tourists spend at their all-inclusive resorts and at upscale restaurants. Most cruise ship tourists spend at Heritage Quay and Radcliffe Quay. Most long term expats spend at Jolly Harbour and English Harbour. There are no tourists walking around spending on Old Parham Road. Yes, it should look nice in case a few tourists drive past once in a while and also so that people living here can enjoy the beauty of their environment but I’m not sure forcing all vendors into one spot is best. Some vendors sell food etc. not flea market items. Some vendors actually sell expensive brand name items not really flea market items. They set up at road sides so that people can buy as they pass by. The convenient location can benefit both the vendors and the local passersby. People may not go out of their way to go to flea markets otherwise. Also these business people should be able to select locations that work for them based on their type of business. So, why not just have rules about the acceptable appearance of stands and limits on the numbers allowed in particular areas instead. A few beautifully designed vendor’s stands here and there can actually add to the beauty of the island. There shouldn’t be a law against stands.
“inspired by … North America …”. That’s the problem with this idea. North America is not an island so why follow them blindly? We should not be trying to turn Antigua into a modern “city” on an island. People leave the cities to relax on holiday. We should be trying to create a cohesive relaxed “island paradise”. It does not make sense to ban vending on a small island where it is hard for some to start a business. Roadside vendors are a part of an island asthetic. Their setups just need to be improved in appearance. We need local builders, architects and artists who know how to combine traditional island-style with modern aspects to lead design decisions for the city and island. Otherwise we end up with the random hodge-podge city that we have now where some places try to mimic North American cities, some try to mimic Florida, California or the Emirates with the palm tree vibe, some try to mimic traditional Caribbean with the mango trees and traditional vendors look, and others try to mimic old British colonial vibes. Traditional Antiguan island beauty involves Flamboyant trees, Hibiscus plants, crocus hedges etc. The hotels do a pretty good job of incorporating these into their designs. The whole island should perhaps follow suit.
For the vendors their stands should have a pleasant island feel e.g. neat coloured wooden stands and they should be distributed throughout the island e.g. in each village not just all crowded into the city. That will be pleasant for tourists who want to stop and patronise them and also allow local people to buy their produce, food, clothing etc. in the villages. Win-win for everyone.
*croton
Many vendors sell cooked food. Apart from a flea market, there could be cheap down-to-earth (not upscale) local eatery areas or food courts at different places in the city. Some vendors sell clothes. There are many old abandoned buildings in the city. These could be refurbished to create more stores to increase the variety of clothing options in the city. It would be good to have a couple of stores selling outfits actually designed and/or made locally. Some vendors sell produce. A mini market could be at the East Bus Station so that people can buy produce there on their way home. If the focus of the main town is to be tourism, there could be a second town elsewhere that caters to local needs at affordable prices.
As a relatively new resident to your wonderful Island a good starting point for St.Johns would be improving the pavement’s and road’s for ease of access for all parties.