Castries, Saint Lucia (March 23, 2025) — Castries Market vendors are demanding immediate intervention from Mayor Geraldine Lendor-Gabriel, citing worsening sanitary conditions, safety concerns, and a breakdown in communication with the Castries City Council. The frustrated vendors say repeated requests for dialogue have been dismissed, leaving critical issues unresolved.
Their appeal comes after Mayor Lendor-Gabriel allegedly declined a request to meet vendors on-site — a practice they say was upheld by previous mayors — signaling what they view as growing detachment from the community.
Vendors say Castries City Council has turned its back on the market
“We have a lot of complaints and we need to talk about it. She wants us to come to her office… but from the time I’ve been at the market, the mayor would come to us,” vendor Irene Wells told The Voice in an interview published March 23.
Wells said she was surprised by the mayor’s refusal to meet at the Castries Market, a space many vendors consider the symbolic and practical heart of their economic life.
Vendors Joan Wells-Bailey, Julianna Joseph, Jeannette Duncan, and Francillia Couloute stood in solidarity with Wells during the interview, affirming the shared frustrations of the marketplace community.
“The mayor has to know how to talk to people — we are human beings,” Wells added, emphasizing the need for respectful dialogue.
Foul odors and poor sanitation drive away customers
Unpleasant and persistent odors within the market have also emerged as a major concern. “Sometimes people could hardly walk through the market because of that,” Wells-Bailey told The Voice, pointing to garbage accumulation and stagnant waste as likely culprits.
“It’s like a garbage place. Some of the vendors are afraid to complain because people are not pleased when you complain,” she added.
Vendors argue that poor sanitation practices are not only damaging the reputation of the iconic market but are also contributing to declining foot traffic and a deteriorating customer experience.
Theft and lack of restitution frustrate business owners
In addition to hygiene concerns, security lapses are taking a toll. Wells-Bailey revealed to The Voice that she has experienced multiple thefts over time and has never been compensated for the merchandise lost.
“People have stolen my stuff so many times, and I’ve never been compensated for all these losses I’ve encountered,” she said.
The lack of structured restitution or market security measures has left vendors feeling vulnerable and unsupported.
Smoking and public safety flagged as growing problems
Vendors also raised concerns about public smoking within the market area, describing it as a health hazard that contributes to an already degraded environment. They are calling on authorities to enforce public health regulations more stringently.
Mayor Geraldine Lendor-Gabriel responds to vendors’ complaints
Mayor Geraldine Lendor-Gabriel has rejected the suggestion that she is disconnected from market affairs. In her response to The Voice, she said she visited the market the day before the interview to engage directly with vendors and assess their needs.
She reportedly shared a WhatsApp conversation to support her claim but declined to provide an on-the-record statement beyond that.
Castries Market vendors renew calls for on-site engagement
Despite the mayor’s assertions, vendors remain adamant that a face-to-face meeting at the market is necessary. They say the in-person presence of city officials is not only symbolic but critical for assessing real-time challenges and rebuilding trust.
Vendor Jeannette Duncan and others echoed Wells’ position, calling for transparency and consistent communication from the Castries City Council.
Broader implications for market reform
This latest call for dialogue adds to a history of unresolved market issues. In late 2023, Castries City Council officials engaged vendors over overcrowding on William Peter Boulevard and floated the possibility of expanding vending into nearby areas such as Constitution Park to reduce congestion.
And earlier this month, representatives from the Saint Lucia Cruise Port and the Castries City Council met with vendors to discuss a phased redevelopment plan for the Vendors Arcade and boardwalk. While the plan promises modern upgrades and new marketing support, vendors remain skeptical that structural changes alone will fix longstanding operational issues.
Next steps awaited as pressure mounts on Castries City Council
The Castries Market remains one of the capital’s most visible public spaces and an essential economic engine for vendors and micro-entrepreneurs. As complaints pile up and calls for engagement intensify, vendors hope their concerns will finally be taken seriously.
“Come and see what we deal with every day,” one vendor urged. “It’s not just about complaints — it’s about finding solutions.”
Unitedpac St. Lucia News will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates on any official response or policy actions affecting Castries Market vendors.
