Acting PM Vetoes Minister Turner’s Efforts on Vending in St Johns
In a surprising turn of events, vendors operating near the V.C. Bird Bust, the Fisheries Complex, and Lower St. John’s City have been granted permission to continue their operations.
Acting Prime Minister Steadroy Benjamin made this announcement on Wednesday, overriding a decision made by Minister Rawdon Turner.
The St John’s Development Corporation had previously announced that starting April 17, 2025, all vending operations would need to relocate to designated areas within the vegetable section of the Public Market Complex.
This complex, which consists of both northern and southern sections, has a total of ninety available spots for vendors.
In a notice signed by City Manager Carolyn Thomas-Parker, it was made clear that vending would no longer be permitted in popular areas such as the V.C. Bird Bust and Heroes Park, as well as the Fisheries Complex and Lower St. John’s City.
Additionally, sidewalk vending was declared strictly prohibited.
However, Acting Prime Minister Benjamin’s veto of this decision allows the current vendors to maintain their positions, setting the stage for ongoing discussions about the future of vending in these key areas.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/04/16/acting-pm-vetoes-minister-turners-efforts-on-vending-in-st-johns. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Comments (15)
ActingPM April 16, 2025, 4:06 PM
Devorn Carter April 16, 2025, 4:22 PM
TC April 16, 2025, 4:59 PM
Luka Johnson April 16, 2025, 4:21 PM
Unruly One April 16, 2025, 11:15 PM
Rhea April 16, 2025, 4:24 PM
Food4thought April 16, 2025, 4:25 PM
Antigua Surf April 16, 2025, 4:27 PM
Warren April 16, 2025, 4:29 PM
janice April 16, 2025, 6:35 PM
Juju Bee April 16, 2025, 7:14 PM
Teacher for Life April 17, 2025, 8:27 AM
Stone April 17, 2025, 11:09 AM
Hallelujah Amen April 18, 2025, 8:57 AM
Its all about maintaining the non-natives support at the ballot box.
I could remember back in 1995 the then ALP Prime minister Lester Bird ordered then 95% native Antiguans vendors off the streets of St. John’s.
Now in 2025 all been replaced by non-natives and now ABLP giving them full support.
I could remember during the covid19 pandemic a Serian friend of mine told me it’s them and the other non natives control Antigua.
This been shown over and over again
😂😡😴
Anonymous May 19, 2025, 7:53 PM