Former CMO Dr Patrick Martin is weighing in on the much debated vending issue and the role of the Government. Martin, in a March 2017 article disseminated to media houses, says governance is about decision making and implementation.
Specifically addressing the vending issue Martin says two vending-related governance tests came to the fore in “Beautiful Basseterre” during History and Heritage Month. People using sidewalks to earn a living were removed because of pedestrian and business interference, and the fourth global fast food franchise was opened. The irony is that local pot food was taken off the street while more foreign fast food came on-stream. Interestingly, the public outcry about the treatment of street vendors was matched, decibel for decibel, by the outpouring of joy over more imported burgers, soda and fries. Martin maintains that Vending is a political governance issue because holding public office is fundamentally about the decisions made that improve the lives of ordinary people. It should be our government’s policy to encourage, regulate and protect street vending.
Martin further warns that such is the consumption of factory-produced, ultra-processed food and artificial beverages that non-communicable disorders (NCDs) like obesity, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes are epidemic. NCDs cause personal savings and pensions to be wiped out by the doctor and hospital bills. Furthermore, relatively high rates of cancer and kidney failure are threats to the viability of Social Security and National Health Insurance. Yet, there is sheer delight over the expanding footprint of foreign fast food.
However the former CMO suggests that solutions to the vending issue are at hand. Government and the private sector can collaborate to develop incubators to stimulate local people to get into private enterprise. Well-designed and -managed vending areas enhance the appeal of a beachfront, a town center and the overall image of a destination. Food security will be greater once there is solidarity among OECS/CARICOM nations to regain control of the region’s food environment. Financial and other incentives provided to farmers and fishers will maximize local food production.