Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon, at his weekly news conference noted that the relocation of the vendors would now make the Municipality accountable for illegal vending in the streets, particularly in the commercial areas.

Following concerns raised by all sections of society about the congestion and littering caused by street vendors, Government moved to acquire the plot of land owned by Toolsie Persaud Limited to locate street vendors, however, the company took the matter to the High Court which awarded the company compensation amounting to $260M. However, the award of compensation has been challenged by the company through an appeal.

The court challenge delayed the development of the required infrastructure on the site and the subsequent relocation of the vendors for several months.

Nevertheless, the Government and the City Council has gone ahead with the implementation of the arrangements to accommodate the removed street vendors, Dr. Luncheon said, explaining that the present court appeal will possibly only alter the award of compensation and not who is in ownership of the site.