Vendors are pleading with port authorities to postpone their planned May 15, 2026, relocation, as, according to their representatives, the temporary vending site remains incomplete.
In an interview with the media this week, President of the Craft and Dry Goods Vendors Association, Peter “Ras Ipa” Isaac, said vendors were initially assured that the current arcade would remain in operation until the temporary facility, located at the site of the former parking lot adjacent to La Place Carenage on Jeremie Street, was completed.
“Initial consultation with Global Ports Holding, you know, Saint Lucia Seaport, we were given the assurance that the vendors arcade would not be demolished, this present one we’re in, until or unless they have completed the new vendors arcade,” Isaac explained.
However, he said the situation appears to have changed significantly in recent weeks.
“But now what we are hearing is it’s quite different and in terms of the window, you know, in terms of relocation, there is no relocation plan as far as we know,” he stated.
Isaac said vendors were informed only recently that demolition would proceed shortly and that they would need to vacate the premises without any concrete arrangements for alternative accommodation.
“It’s only about a week and a half to two weeks that vendors were told that they would demolish the vendors arcade and they would have to vacate the vendors arcade with no relocation plan in place, nothing to say you will be relocated here and there,” he said.
According to Isaac, the only guidance vendors received was to independently search for available spaces around Castries where they could temporarily operate.
“The only option that was given is that you can go around town and see if there are any spaces anywhere where you can occupy for the time being,” he added.
Isaac also raised concerns over the lack of financial support mechanisms for displaced vendors.
“There is nothing in place to see whether to give vendors some kind of support, you know, financial or otherwise, nothing like that,” he said. “And no areas were designated for them to continue with their, you know, to survive, to maintain their financial and other obligations.”
He explained that plans for temporary relocation facilities remain incomplete, with only a limited number of booths reportedly nearing readiness.
“Initially, what I think they say they have 44 vending booths that is going to be prepared and be ready by the 15th of next month,” Isaac noted. “If you go there as you may see that all there is a kind of frame but there is no walls yet and so on and there is no lavatory facility or toilet facility yet.”
Isaac said approximately 70 to 75 additional vendors are still awaiting accommodation, with construction for those spaces yet to begin.
“The other set of vendors which is about maybe 70 or 75 and they have the structure for them has not been built and it may be completed within six months or more,” he said.
He further disclosed that discussions surrounding phased relocation arrangements and rent protections also appear uncertain.
“There was also something that they said about moving vendors in phases, so that if they build 10 booths,” he explained, adding, “that has changed as well.”
Isaac said vendors were also previously led to believe that rent increases would be frozen for a period after relocation into the new facility.
“Well, what we have heard now is that rent, we must find out the cost of real estate around town, and rumor have it that, you know, the rent will be increased,” he said.
Affected craft vendors described the situation as deeply unfair, particularly given the short notice and the absence of financial assistance.
“I’m not disagreeing that they send us home, but at least they should give us a little allowance for the six months they’re sending us home because we have our bills to pay right and I find that is not fair,” said one vendor.
The vendor also expressed disappointment over the time being afforded to remove merchandise and prepare for displacement.
“They don’t even give us enough time to take out our things that is not fair at all and I don’t like that,” the vendor added.
As redevelopment plans progress, vendors say they remain hopeful that clearer communication, relocation arrangements and support measures will emerge before demolition begins, amid growing fears over the economic uncertainty many now face.