Street Vending

Street vending is one of the major means of livelihood for the less fortunate living in the city and environs. In relation to Trinidad, street vending can be described as self-employment within the informal sector. Street vendors are an integral component of urban economies in the Caribbean namely the city of Port of Spain. For residents of Port of Spain and environs, street vending generates a source of income and creates a source of employment for a vast majority of the population.

Throughout the city, street vending is evident on every junction, most of the major streets, outside schools and workplaces. ‘Structural theorists posit that street vending is seen as an endeavor into which marginalized populations are driven out of necessity in the absence of alternative ways of securing a livelihood.’ (Adom and Williams 2012) I agree with the structural theorist perspective on street vending. It is the marginalized, less fortunate populations in society that are resort to street vending. It is an effort made into securing a means of livelihood for people and their families. For this I think they should be ‘cut some slack.

Within the city of Port of Spain, street vending is highly discouraged as it is perceived as an insignificant contribution to the country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and obstructs the regular flow of traffic. ’ Street vending is a form of economic activity and I think that it should be accepted and not be treated as an illegal activity.  Street side vending customarily becomes a hindrance during the recent Christmas season and the upcoming Carnival season. These are the times when sales are the highest; allowing street vendors the opportunity to earn an extra dollar. According Maraj 2013, ‘officials in charge make it their duty to threaten those who are trying to make an honest dollar.’ (Newsday Newspaper 2013)

It is of my opinion that willingness and dedication to work must be encouraged. It is by far certainly better than depending on state funding or participating in criminal activities. Those who are willing to work should be accommodated within the economy as long as they do not infringe on the rights of others.  Street vending is a well renounced means of urban livelihood and constitutes a relatively large proportion of urban economies and has been for decades. It is about time that the stigma (illegality) attached to street vending be changed.

 ‘Let the nation’s street vendors enjoy the Fruits of their Investment and Labor!’

Express Newspaper, "Street Vending: No first-timer,"

Street vending in the city of Port of Spain 

The photo above depicts various aspects of street vending in Downtown Port of Spain. The collage displays the busy bustling streets of Port of Spain (namely Charlotte Street, Duke Street and the Queen’s park Savannah) It can be seen that the streets of Port of Spain are used for the exchange of good and services, whether it be fruits, vegetables, snacks, clothing or accessories. It is evident from the photo that the street vendors are patronized and the economic activity not only benefits the vendors but also the consumers. Observation of the photo also indicates that the means by which the street vendors display their goods and services is mobile in nature. This can be convenient for the vendors whenever they are required to move for example when they are being controlled by the police.  

Reference

Adom, Kwame, and Colin Williams. 2012. "Evaluating the Motives of Informal Entrepreneurs in Koforidua, Ghana." Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship 17, no. 1: 6.

Beall, Jo , and Nazneen Kanji. 1999. "Households, Livelihoods and Urban Poverty." Urban Governance, Partnership and Poverty 3: 12.

Maraj, Leiselle. 2013. "Illegal Street Vending and Loud Music — a No, No." Newsday,January 19, http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,172223.html (Accessed February 5, 2014).

Express Newspaper, 2012. "Street Vending: No first-timer," December 19, http://www.trinidadexpress.com/business-magazine/street_vending__no_first-timer-184054091.html (Accessed February 7, 2014).