BREAKING: Kingstown vending crackdown halted as Gov’t seeks consultation 

By Admin. Updated 4:13 p.m., Friday, September 11, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

The Kingstown Town Board has stayed the implementation of its decision to remove vendors from Bedford Street, Bay Street and surrounding areas, following concerns raised by affected stakeholders.

The Board announced the decision in a public notice issued Friday, September 11, one day before the original implementation date.

The measures, which were due to take effect on Saturday, September 12, would have prevented vendors from operating in the affected areas, including on sidewalks.

In its latest notice, the Board said it had “heard the concerns and representations” from stakeholders and, after considering those representations, decided that implementation would be stayed until further notice.

The Board said the move is intended to allow for further consultation and engagement with affected stakeholders.

“The Town Board recognises the important contribution vendors make to our local economy, and the role vending plays in supporting the livelihoods of many Vincentian families,” the notice stated.

It added that efforts to improve the management, accessibility and overall environment of Kingstown must take those realities into account.

The Board’s initial decision, announced on September 10, directed vendors operating along Bedford Street, Bay Street and surrounding areas to return to their assigned market stalls or apply for stalls within designated markets.

That decision was presented as part of an effort to make Kingstown cleaner, safer, more orderly and accessible to residents, shoppers and visitors.

However, the announcement generated public discussion and concern among vendors and others affected by the proposed changes.

The latest notice says the Board will now engage vendors and other relevant stakeholders to better understand their concerns and work towards practical solutions.

The development also follows comments from Deputy Prime Minister and Central Kingstown Parliamentary Representative St. Clair Leacock, who responded to a post by SVG TV about reports that the decision had been paused.

Leacock rejected the characterisation of the development as merely a pause, describing it instead as a “firm halt” while awaiting a comprehensive plan for the remaining refurbishment of Kingstown.

He said vendors have a special place in the community and, with proper consultation, should have a central role in the capital’s development plans.

The Board’s official notice, however, uses the term “stayed until further notice” and says the purpose is to facilitate further consultation.

The Board said it remains committed to improving Kingstown for residents, businesses, vendors, shoppers and visitors.

It also said it will provide further information about the consultation process and any subsequent measures.

The notice was signed by Noel Dickson, Warden (Ag).

For now, therefore, vendors who were facing removal from the affected areas on Saturday have been given a reprieve, with the proposed measures no longer taking effect on September 12.

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