No running water, no lighting, unusable toilets and inadequate shelter are only a few of the many problems that plague some 600 straw vendors displaced since Sept. 4, 2001. The Government was placed on notice Wednesday that if their concerns are not swiftly addressed, a massive protest would be staged, and court action would be taken.
“If we do not hear from the government within a short period of time, we will protest by engaging various demonstrations. And we will seek to commence legal action so that the court would compel the government to carry out its legal obligations under the lease to the vendors,” said
Derek Ryan, the attorney for the Straw Vendors Persons Society during a press conference at his Ryan & Co. law chambers on Village Road.
Flanked by several straw vendors, Mr Ryan said as the “landlord” of all straw vendors, the Ministry of Trade and Industry is not cognisant of the law, and has no plan of action to resolve the ongoing problems experienced by straw vendors. He stated that vendors are “homeless” and have clearly been forgotten.
Mr Ryan threatened to sue the government on the basis of breaching their covenant to provide safe, proper, and adequate leasehold premises to their tenants, such as shelter and lighting. He would aim to force the government to specifically meet the terms of its agreement with the straw vendors.
Mr Ryan said since Sept. 4, 2001, vendors have been continuously promised a first-class venue to house them permanently, but the make-shift tent on Marlborough Street seems to be their permanent home. He added that since 2002, the Government has reneged on its many promises to commence construction.
According to Mr Ryan, the Government has shamefully neglected straw vendors, treating them with contempt. He claimed that he has written letters to the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Works and Tourism, requesting a meeting with straw vendors to discuss various issues, but he has received no response to date.
Mr Ryan said as other relief efforts are being sought throughout The Bahamas, straw vendors must also be given attention, as they, too, have experienced national disasters – initially a fire and then a hurricane.
“Make no mistake, we are pleased that the Government has provided relief for our brothers and sisters in the Family Islands, but the straw vendors have suffered since Sept. 2001,” he said.
He argued that the Ministry of Trade and Industry was also wrong to give vendors a letter on Oct. 22, which gave straw vendors 72 hours to pack up their goods because the market would be closed to have the tent damaged by Hurricane Frances replaced. He said that during this time, vendors lost revenue and the covering still has not been fully installed.
“The canvas has only been placed on the bigger portion of the roof, leaving the smaller portion towards the front open. The sides are exposed and rain and heat continue to come down on the vendors, because the canvas leaks at the seams,” Mr Ryan alleged.
Luke Small, the former president of the Straw Vendors United Union, expressed that continuous problems exist within the straw market because vendors are frustrated. He said the government should not make promises it cannot fulfill.
“They are taking the people for a ride and we are not dealing with children, we are dealing with the government,” he said, adding that the government takes its own “slow” time to handle the concerns of the market.”
Mr Small was also concerned that no one has been appointed to maintain the market – although the Ministry of Works has acknowledged the problem. “Anything that happens, you have to fix it yourself, or find someone else who can fix it for you, and when you call managers, supervisors or the minister, all you get is another lie,” he said.
Apparently, in an attempt to respond to the concerns of vendors, Minister of Trade and Industry, Leslie Miller, said the Ministry of Works recently installed five new commercial toilets at the straw market, as well as a pressure tank, a water holding tank and a one-horse power motor to keep a constant supply of water. He added, however, that toilets had been operable. He said the Ministry of Works now has to cut the existing sewer lines to remove these products.
In regard to a new tent for the straw market, Mr Miller said plastic has been applied to the roof but inclement weather prevented its full completion. He added, however, that when workmen arrived to cover the side portions of the straw market with plastic, vendors refused to move. He also stated that the market was declared closed for a period of two days, but this was only to install the roof.
“The roof still has to be sealed and he just needs time now to put up the sides. The people are there doing the work and when it is complete, it is completed! If they mess it up again, they will fix it themselves,” he said.
As regards the lightings in the area, Mr Miller said the Ministry has recently received new quotes for the project, which would cost more than $40,000. This work, he said, would commence within the next two weeks.
Mr Miller said the government endeavours to ensure vendors are comfortable. He stated that it is not the responsibility of the Government to continually make repairs because vendors refuse to care for the facility. “This is going to cease and desist, and this is the last time they will spend public funds to fix things that they mess up. The next time they mess up, they will fix it themselves.
“Instead of complaining, I would wish for them to show a little more diligence and a little more pride in their surroundings.”
Mr Miller also pointed out that vendors were not paying rent for their stalls. However, Mr Ryan said the failure to pay rent does not negate the responsibilities of the Government.
Concerning plans for a new straw market , Mr Miller said the government still hopes to break ground for the facility during the first quarter of 2005.
Tamara McKenzie, The Nassau Guardian
