“Illegal vendors must face the consequences”

Vendors who illegally sell food and drinks at events will be caught by the various agencies tasked with maintaining law and order and protecting public health. Despite many warnings some people continue to sell food and drinks without a permit. Officials explained that this put the public health at risk. Mike Nerkust, District Commissioner of Paramaribo North-East, pointed out that he is fed up with the behavior of this group of people and that they must prepare themselves to be tackled firmly. “They must face the consequences. Some Surinamese citizens always want to do things without following the rules and that is unacceptable.” Nerkust did not reveal how or when he will take action against the illegal vendors. He did point out, however, that he wants to make this problem, a thing of the past. “People who want to sell food must be screened by the Public Health Bureau (BOG). It is also forbidden to sell drinks in glass bottles because the bottles could be used as weapons. The government wants to protect the public health. “We must protect society against diseases. Several vendors have already reported to the agencies in order to get registered. They have already received permission and a location where they can sell their products. Why can’t everybody else do the same?” Nerkust made it clear that events are announced months in advance and that the vendors therefore have more than enough time to get their papers in order. People who want to sell food or drinks at an event must ask the DC’s Office for permission three weeks prior to the event.