Straw vendors want Bannister fired

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Rebecca Smalls.

The Straw Vendors Association called for the Minister of Public Works Desmond Bannister to be removed from his post over the handling of the Bay Street Straw Market.

Last week, Bannister revealed that vendors owed thousands of dollars in past due rent, which he said, is partially to blame for some of the unresolved issues in the facility. However, the vendors are claiming a totally different reality.

Vice President of the Straw Market Vendors Association Rebecca Smalls said, she believes the minister has a “personal vendetta” against the market and that his numbers are all wrong.

Last week, delinquent vendors were issued a four-day notice to pay up on their past due rent or risk having their licenses revoked. Vendors, however, claim the notice was a blatant breach of their rights.

Member of Parliament (MP) for Englerston Glenys Hanna-Martin, who supports the vendors, demanded that the government release the annual report for the straw market, which she said. has not been conducted for years.

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