Barbados vendors are vigorously defending their industry against allegations of complicity in a surge of large-scale agricultural thefts, arguing they’re being wrongly targeted for crimes more likely connected to sophisticated operations supplying major commercial outlets.
The controversy emerges following the theft of approximately 30,000 pounds of yams during the Christmas and New Year period. Significant portions were stolen from both government-managed farmland under the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation and private property belonging to Richard Armstrong, one of the island’s premier root crop producers.
Alister Alexander, President of the Barbados Association of Retailers, Vendors, and Entrepreneurs (BARVEN), firmly rejected attempts to portray vendors as participants in these thefts. While acknowledging the organization cannot vouch for every individual, Alexander maintained that the overwhelming majority of vendors obtain produce through legitimate channels.
“We believe this represents organized crime seeking to offload ill-gotten gains in bulk quantities,” Alexander stated. “Those who have suffered these devastating losses can generally corroborate our position—they continue to be substantially patronized by the vending community.”
At Cheapside Market, vendors demonstrated proactive measures to ensure supply chain integrity. Veteran vendor Nadine Prince emphasized the critical importance of documentation: “We obtain receipts for everything—whether imports from St. Vincent or local purchases. Authorities regularly remind us that proper documentation is mandatory.”
Prince highlighted that suspiciously low pricing serves as an immediate red flag, noting that yams currently retail at approximately $6.50 to $7 per pound. Her philosophy echoes lessons from childhood: “Honesty remains the best policy. I understand the tremendous effort farmers invest in their labor.”
Shelly-Ann Brewster, with twelve years of vending experience, acknowledged occasional informal transactions with small farmers but expressed growing commitment to stricter documentation practices. She described repeatedly turning away suspicious offers, including recent approaches where produce was offered “far cheaper than market price.”
BARVEN advocates for enhanced regulatory measures, particularly the full implementation of the National Vending Bill. Alexander emphasized that comprehensive legislation would prevent thieves from easily selling stolen goods roadside while bringing greater organization and accountability to the sector.
The association continues urging members to report suspicious transactions and embrace collective responsibility: “Be your brother-farmer’s keeper. Praedial larceny constitutes a crime against the entire nation that we all share duty to eradicate.”