Vendors at the Vendors’ Arcade in Castries face financial challenges during a tough cruising off-season. With fewer visitors, many vendors struggle to pay rent to the Castries Constituency Council (CCC).
Peter ‘Ras Ipa’ Isacc, President of the Vendors Association, urged authorities to reconsider rent fees due to the income drop. “Port Castries is empty, and so are our pockets,” Isaac said.
Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire proposed a new rent system where vendors would pay only when cruise ships are in the harbor. “If you’re not making money on the day, I will not charge you,” Hilaire explained. He suggested a daily fee when ships are present, providing relief during off-peak times.
This change would mean a higher fee on cruise ship days but no rent during off-season months. Hilaire also highlighted the difficulty of increasing cruise arrivals in the off-season as cruise lines favor larger ships deployed elsewhere.
Meanwhile, a new agreement with Global Ports Holding (GPH) aims to redevelop the Vendors’ Arcade at Port Castries, potentially increasing visitor access and boosting sales.
Source/Photo: Office of the Prime Minister
