Mayor allows vendors to return to Fort St.

The weather may be bleak, but it doesn’t stop the cruise ships from anchoring in Belize City harbour. And if the scene around the Tourism Village looked different today, it’s because, after several weeks of haul and pull, the street vendors are back–only this time with the blessings of the mayor. According to a press release from the Belize City Council, the move should last for a month and is the result of a meeting that took place on Monday between Mayor David Fonseca and the vendors, who had previously been ordered to the confines of Memorial Park. The release states that the mayor took into consideration the Christmas season and the vendors’ need for a livelihood. He cautioned, however, that if anyone conducts themselves in a manner that will bring negative publicity to the growing tourism industry, then he or she will be removed from the area. None of the vendors would speak to News 5 about the latest move but they did express appreciation for the decision. It is expected that the vendors will eventually move to their permanent site at the old market on North Front Street that is currently under renovation.