Dear Editor,

We are of the view that there is a very pressing issue as it relates to the straw market that needs to be resolved. According to the Straw Market Authority Act and the law, the board is responsible for carrying out the mandate of the minister responsible for the straw market and the Straw Market Authority. Straw Market Authority Act states, "The minister, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 15 of the Straw Authority Act, may make regulations...". On Monday, December 10, 2012, a memo was issued to the Bay Street straw vendors and it speaks to the implementation of fines for infractions effective January 1, 2013. We feel that this recent move will cause undue stress for many vendors.

Currently, there are some vendors who are barely able to pay their weekly stall rent and are now being bombarded with the implementation of high fines which in some cases are more than a week's rent. If some persons, presently, are not able to pay their rent then how would they be able to afford such fines which are expected to come into effect January 1, 2013. There is a case right now of a young lady who has been at her stall for two weeks, she is not a gambler and has not even made $50 in two weeks. The tourism business is very volatile.

Minister, what is expected from a person in a case like this? What would be her fate and other vendors in a similar predicament. Some vendors are really not making enough money. The situation is dire to the point where some persons have turned to the Department of Social Services for assistance in payment of their basic bills (eg., light, rent, food, etc.) simply because their sales are at a low level. We believe that one of the jobs of the government is to give the citizens of this country either employment or employment opportunity. The straw vendors are very striving people. What is the government doing to sustain the efforts of this group of hardworking, taxpaying Bahamians?

Why is there so much emphasis being place on imposing fines all in an effort to make life more difficult for these Bahamians to survive? It should be noted that the act makes no reference to fines for infractions. If we understand the clause correctly, it states that the minister may make regulations for the following (Straw Market Authority Act, section 15, page 7): (a) Regulate stalls in the market (b) Impose charges or fees in respect to the usage of the stalls in the market (c) Grant, suspend or terminate any permit or license to operate a stall in the market (d) Regulate the type of goods allowed in the market (e) Generally for the proper carrying out of the provisions and purposes of this act.

Then section 17, page 7, refers to the charges that may be imposed on unpaid stall rent, but the act makes no reference to fines for infractions. So, where is the legality in the implementation of the fines set forth by the minister responsible? Sir, in conclusion, we would be greatly appreciative if you would reconsider the implementation of the aforementioned fines. We would, also, like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. On the contrary, many straw vendors will not have a good Christmas with fear of what they may have to deal with, come January 1, 2013. Thank you for your attention and we look forward to your response. - Rev. Esther Dawkins-Thompson, president, Straw Business Persons Society

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