BARVEN supports shutdown

An approaching 15-day ban on vending will receive little resistance from the organisation representing dozens of stakeholders in the sector.

In fact, President of the Barbados Association of Retailers Vendors and Entrepreneurs (BARVEN) Allister Alexander has thrown his full support behind the restrictions that are intended to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

During an address to the nation on Tuesday, Prime Minister Mottley announced that vendors, village shops, bars, restaurants and gyms would be forced to close from February 3rd to 17th. Vendors are also among a select group of enterprises that will receive compensation from the Government to mitigate the economic fallout from the stiff measures.

“BARVEN is studying the issues in our sector coming out of the measures the government is putting in place for all in this country,” Allister told Barbados TODAY.

“We are approaching this health crisis with the serious thought it deserves and we would want to assist in minimizing any hardship that the poor and vulnerable groups are likely to suffer.

“We are in a continuing consultation with the Government and we are giving careful thought to every aspect of this health challenge. Government has the fullest support of BARVEN as it should from everyone in this nation. When we have completed the necessary consultations, we will make a fuller statement,” the BARVEN president added. (KS)