PHILIPSBURG--As part of Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication (TEATT) Melissa-Arrindell Doncher’s three-part vision to revamp and enhance the cruise visitor experience in Philipsburg, market stalls have been placed on Great Bay Beach at separate locations to accommodate vendors who were situated at the old marketplace.
Workers were seen placing these stalls next to Walter Plantz Pier on Friday. The plan is part of the Minister’s vision entailing relocating, reorganising and improving the aesthetics of the Philipsburg vendors’ market which was damaged due to the passing of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Alternate locations for the vendors were identified in the vicinity of Walter Plantz Pier and Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. The first phase of the project has been finalised and some of the vendors will be moved to the new locations before Monday, December 4, the date of the first scheduled cruise-ship visit.
The remaining vendors will stay in the original location until the second phase has been finalised. All vendors and their registered helpers (only one each is permitted) should have their permits and valid Government identification on their persons at all times while engaging in vending.
Controls will be carried out routinely by the TEATT Inspectorate to ensure law and order is maintained.
However, beach vendors are not happy with Government’s move and informed The Daily Herald on Friday that the police will have to do more controls in the area to stop these market vendors from harassing tourists.
