Grande vendors displaced after market structure collapses

Freelance Contributor

Vendors at the Sangre Grande open market have been forced to relocate to the pavement after a structure collapsed, making their regular stalls a safety risk for themselves and shoppers.

Vendor Henrick, who spoke on behalf of the affected vendors, said, “Most of the structures at the open market are not up to standard and are likely to collapse at any short notice.”

He said fortunately, no one was at the market at the time of the incident, but he believes vendors and shoppers would have been injured had they been present. The vendors are now “calling on Sangre Grande Regional Corporation chairman Kenwyn Phillip to address the problem before there are any mishaps. They also noted that it is dangerous for shoppers, as “they have to stand on the roadway to purchase their market items.”

Contacted for comment, Phillip said they “will address the problem and ensure better infrastructures are placed in the market.” He explained the challenges the corporation has faced, stating they had asked for funding to cover the open market on three occasions and did not recieve it.

He added that another issue was that the former CEO classed it as an open market, so it was difficult to cover it and vendors were not allowed to put their own structures.

Phillip said they met a shantytown and the corporation tried to remodify it. He said they applied for funding in the 2025/2026 Budget and was hopeful and allocation will be given to the corporation for the market.

He said the market was part of a signature project and the council will also be setting a standard for the construction of vending stalls by vendors.

The market is usually open on weekends.