Government Signals Tougher Stance on Street Vending in Kingstown

By Val Matthias. Updated 10:20 a.m., Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).


Kingstown’s sidewalks are once again at the centre of a debate, as the government renews its push to regulate vending in the capital. Speaking during the ongoing budget debate, Minister of The Family and Gender Affairs, Persons with Disabilities, and Labour, Laverne Gibson-Velox, described the persistence of illegal vending as a “grave concern” despite repeated interventions. 

Currently, about 90 vendors are officially permitted to operate along Kingstown’s streets and sidewalks. This figure excludes those trading in Little Tokyo and Middle Street. Yet, despite the presence of “No Vending” signs, many continue to ply their trade outside designated areas, creating friction between authorities and vendors who rely on the streets for their livelihood. 

The issue is not new. In 2022, former Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves announced plans to remove some 800 vendors from Kingstown’s streets within two weeks, relocating many to the newly built Uptown Vegetable Market. At that time, 389 vendors were registered, with 99 earmarked for relocation to the new facility. Similarly, in 2021, Minister Julian Francis revealed that budgetary allocations had been made to clean up the city and renovate buildings to house displaced vendors. 

Despite these measures, enforcement has remained inconsistent. Street vending has expanded beyond traditional fruit and vegetable stalls, with officials repeatedly promising “clean-up” campaigns to restore order in the capital.  It was argued that much of Kingstown’s uncleanliness stems directly from street vending. 

Minister Gibson-Velox’s announcement signals that stricter enforcement may finally be on the horizon. She confirmed that within the first quarter, plans will be implemented to enforce a no-vending policy after “careful consideration.” 

For vendors, the looming crackdown raises questions about livelihood and relocation. For residents and city planners, it underscores the long-running tension between economic survival and urban order in Kingstown. 

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