The Office of the Mayor has officially launched the Vendors’ Registration Programme.

It was preceded by several consultations held in 2017 with merchants from the Vendors Arcade, provisions and craft market vendors, and roadside traders.

The Vendors’ Registration Programme will provide significant benefits to vendors such as free access to public comfort stations, job letters identifying them as authorized vendors, ID cards, and tent packages for roadside vendors amongst other benefits.

So far, 178 vendors have been registered under the programme.

Speaking at the Monday’s ceremony, His Worship, Mayor Peterson D. Francis said: “while faced with several challenges, we never allowed that to derail us as we sought to better organize and bring meaningful benefits to our vendors.

“This is only the first phase. The second phase will see the distribution of tents and umbrellas to improve presentation on the sidewalks. This Vendors’ Registration Programme can now boast a mechanism to drive your agenda and success forward. It can boast a stronger relationship between you, the CCC, and by extension the government; it can boast a renewed comprehensive approach to vending; and it can boast that you are now finally reaping the rewards of your daily taxes. The success of major companies has proven that it starts with you. Your trade, your commitment, your network and your forward thinking,” said Mayor Francis.

Adalia James, Executive Member of the Vendor’s Association endorsed the program, stating that it was a good one for vendors.

The programme was formally launched at the Castries City Hall on Monday, Jan. 14.