Dozens of disgruntled New Amsterdam market vendors took to the streets in protest against a recent rate increase implemented by the New Amsterdam Town Council.
The vendors argue that the council’s decision fails to consider their financial challenges.
According to the vendors, some fees have been raised by as much as 100 per cent. They claim there was insufficient consultation with them before these new rates were introduced, which took effect on September 1.
The vendors believe that the new rates are both unjust and financially burdensome.
One long-time vendor expressed frustration, stating, “We have bills to pay, everybody has a family to maintain and things are hard right now. If we give them 100%, who gets a 100% raise of salary right away?”
Samuel Watson, a cart operator with over 30 years of experience at the market, noted that his fee has jumped from $300 to $2,000.
He questioned, “What really are you working for?
“When you go in the market you have no right in the market. Now they raise it and we gon’ have to raise the price for vendors, and the vendors are quarreling with us. We need somebody to look into this matter,” he added.
Meanwhile, Claire Sattaur, who manages four stalls, revealed that her fees have doubled from $500 to $1000 per stall, totaling $4000 per week.
She criticized the council’s lack of support. “When I come in the morning, I have to sweep all around my stalls, pick up garbage myself, and there’s no one to clean. They said they’re short of staff, so when the garbage truck comes, you have to fetch and throw the garbage yourself. The council isn’t doing anything and they want more money.”
Another vendor, Savitri Persaud, voiced her concerns, saying, “We ain’t able to pay the $1000 per stand because we have two to three stands. Check it, you gotta pay $3000-$4000 a week, plus we gotta pay landing fees for each load. It’s too much. Some vendors in the front area don’t sell, and when the girls need to use the restroom, they have to pay $100 every time. We used to pay $40.”
Vendors are calling on authorities to reconsider the recent fee increases.
