Let vendors share the prosperity pie

arbados will host the final in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in a matter of weeks. There is much hype around the event as many are projecting significant economic returns for the country in the short, medium and long terms.

The local hotel stock is being upgraded to facilitate the expected influx of visitors. Attractions, transportation, restaurants and other relevant sectors stand to benefit from the increased economic activity. Entrepreneurial-minded persons will explore whatever opportunities may accrue to them as they take the necessary risk associated with the projected returns to be had. It stands to reason, therefore, that with the expected bounty, there will be enough for the benefit of all.

Vendors in Cheapside and surrounding areas appear not to have gotten that memo, as it seems there is an effort to relocate these businesses due to their proximity to the Kensington Oval. Admittedly, reports in the press suggest some confusion over this move; notwithstanding, any plan to relocate these vendors in today’s progressive environment must be condemned as a regressive step.

Many of the vendors in Bridgetown have relied on this trade to support their livelihoods for some time. They are operating legally and have regulatory protection following the recent passage of the National Vending Bill 2021. They have a right to expect part of the cricket bounty too. Their activity does not only produce economic gains but contributes to the cultural and social expression of the country – a feature that, if packaged effectively, can contribute to the value proposition of Barbados’ tourism product.

There are significant benefits to be had for vendors and small businesses from major sporting events. Research by RJ Gumban on the Super Bowl of 2023 in the USA proposed several positive impacts for vendors.

Increased Foot Traffic: As a result of the high inflow of visitors to the host city, local businesses such as restaurants, bars, and retail establishments should see a surge in foot traffic, more sales and income for firms.

Boost to the Local Economy:  The event should benefit the local economy by generating significant revenue from tourism, event expenditure, and other associated activities.

Exposure:  Companies from all around the world would use the event to promote their products and services to a worldwide audience. For these businesses, this should signify increased brand awareness and consumer base.

Networking Opportunities:  The Super Bowl would give local business owners and entrepreneurs the opportunity to network and develop new relationships with other businesses and prospective clients.

Increased Employment: The event promoted local job opportunities, especially in hospitality and tourism.

Despite these projections, there are several examples around the world where governments introduced punitive measures on their vending community.

In preparation for the Olympics in Paris this year, authorities aim to outlaw the unofficial market and prevent anyone from selling goods on the streets prior to the Olympics. There are hundreds of street vendors in the city centre where tourists frequent.

DW (2024) reported that the prefect of police for Paris recently declared that “street vending and other delinquent activities will have been completely eradicated” by the opening ceremony for the games. The rationale is that, according to police, with tens of thousands of people expected for the opening ceremony on the river and surrounding area, the traditional stalls — some of which have been operational for more than a century — may be bomb targets.

The Commonwealth Games held in India a decade ago was plagued with similar issues. BBC reported that a number of Delhi Street vendors were evicted before the Games started.

One vendor who sold fruit in Delhi’s Sarojini Nagar market every day for 30 years – with daily earnings of roughly US$3 to US$4, and providing for a family of nine – was ordered to pack up and leave by city authorities as the Indian capital prepared to host the 11-day Commonwealth Games.

He was quoted in the news story as saying, “I have been told to go, they told me, ‘Disappear from Delhi and don’t come back until the Games are over’.”

The Delhi government declared in June that “illegal” vendors selling clothing and food, and roadside vegetable sellers, were a “major security risk” and would be removed. Many of the vendors in the market submitted multiple licence applications over the years. Even though they could provide the authorities with documentary proof of their applications, they were still regarded as illegal since they had not received their licences.

For the Olympic Games in London in 2012, research indicated that there was not any meaningful benefit to the business community. According to a survey conducted by the research firm BDRC Consultancy (2014), the 2012 Olympic Games did not significantly improve the economic situation for small businesses in London. Only four per cent of all British small and medium enterprises were awarded contracts for the games — an improvement over previous year. Specifically, many capital-based businesses claimed that the Olympics had a damaging effect on their operations following the games and did not serve as a spur to expand into new markets.

The authorities may need to assess the situation in Barbados to determine if a legacy similar to the aforementioned cities is desirable, or if every effort should be made to facilitate vendors partaking of the economic pie expected from the international cricket event.

The Small Business Association of Barbados (www.sba.bb) is the non-profit representative body for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).