Reports of unlawful and disrespectful behaviour by some roadside vendors near schools along Woolford Avenue, described as harmful to children, have emerged as school officials met with Government representatives over a new vending arrangement.
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand, Permanent Secretary Miguel Choo-Kang and key Ministry of Education personnel led by Principal Education Officer Mr Immanuel Bridgewater met with head teachers, school board chairs and heads of PTAs of schools along Woolford Avenue on Tuesday, in an effort to establish an arrangement balancing the interests of vendors, school canteens, students and parents.
The meeting gave school administrators and canteen operators an opportunity to present their perspectives before any final decisions are made. Together with a previous engagement, the discussions form part of the Minister's effort to arrive at a solution fair to all affected parties while ensuring students and parents continue to have access to the services they need.
The concerns raised by school officials, along with issues previously raised by vendors, will be taken into consideration as arrangements are developed.
Manickchand stressed that any new system must be implemented in a structured manner, with clear standards governing how vendors operate, particularly given their proximity to children and educational institutions.

Some of the participants at the meeting