Provisions vendors who had been temporarily relocated on Jeremie Street have moved into their new home following the construction of the New Provisions Market.

The New Provisions Market, which is part of

the first phase of the Castries Market Redevelopment Project was handed over to

the Castries Constituency council on Sunday, May 3.

The new facility is outfitted with 100

stalls that will accommodate all provisions vendors including those on the

sidewalks, according to a statement from the Government of St Lucia’s

information portal (GIS).

Mayor of Castries, Peterson D. Francis,

says the general idea is to have the New Provisions Market as the go-to

location for everything.

“We have gone above and beyond to

accommodate all vendors. By the designs and construction our mission is to

elevate the standards of our merchants,” said Mayor Francis.

 “Vendors should no longer be seen vending on

the streets with provisions on the ground. It is unhealthy, and not hygienic to

have fruits, vegetables or provisions on the ground. This is where the Ministry

of Health comes in to ensure that we adhere to health regulations and members

of the public should cease such purchases. In addition, it is a hazard to

pedestrians, having persons block off the sidewalks. The new market can and

will cater to all provisions vendors,” he added.

In the coming days, consultation will begin

with the Jean Baptiste Street tenants to continue the next component of the

first phase – which encompasses the construction of a Container Box Park with

cosmetic shops, cafés, pubs and eateries.