We’ve not broken the law, vendors fight back

Vendors who have been threatened to be taken Vto Tafa’igata Prison if they continue to sell their products on the footpaths and other places deemed illegal by the authorities are not going away without a fight.

They insist they have not broken the law and they say they at least deserve some help from the government, instead of insults.

They also argue that they do not deserve to be treated like criminals.

For Teleasau Titania, of Faleaniu, she reminded Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi that desperation knows no end.

With six children to put through school, Mrs. Titania said she is more concerned about feeding her family than being arrested – if comes down to that.

“I have paid my permit to sell the snacks and drinks so I don’t think I’ve broken any laws,” said Mrs. Titania. “I pay my N.P.F just like those who work in offices. I’m more worried about my children and how I’m going to feed them than the police taking me.”

She added: “I earn about $50 profit a day and if I stop selling my goods, I’ll have five hungry kids waiting for me at home.”

Tasi Siliatu, of Tufuiopa, is in the same predicament.

“There are worse things happening in Samoa than people like myself who are trying to make an honest living,” he said. “The only reason we are here is because we want to make some money to look after our families.”

Mr. Siliatu said they feel that they have been neglected.

What’s more, it appears to him that the government does not value their contribution to the economy.

“We have made an application at the flea market for a space for us to sell our goods,” he said.

“It’s not that we don’t want to sell our goods at the market. The problem is we are on the waiting list and there is no space for us to sell things there.”

According to Mr. Siliatu, they exist because they are paying permits to the government.

“So we are not breaking the law,” he said. “We are just like those other businesses that have fees and permits to pay.

“We also pay for our workers N.P.F and abide by the law. The only difference from the other businesses is that we walk the streets to sell our products because we don’t have an assigned space.”

The businessman said he employs about six other people.

“It’s not easy getting a job nowadays,” said Mr. Siliatu. “I know there are a lot of graduates who are looking for jobs and no doubt they are on the priority list of the government.

“For some of us who don’t have qualifications, this is our means of helping our families and getting paid.”

He added that his family has been retailing several goods on the streets for eight years and their business has grown.

Asked about comments from the Prime Minister where he has asked the Police to take them to Tafa’igata if they insist on doing business, Mr. Siliatu said: “I will leave that to God.”

Last week, the Prime Minister admitted that he had made a mistake when he allowed vendors to use the side of the road to sell their goods when the Fugalei Market was being constructed.

This time, he has instructed the Police to be serious about removing them.

“Giving them a chance was a mistake,” Tuilaepa said. “The funny thing is that every time the Police catch someone, they always blame me. They said Tuilaepa said ‘this is okay.’

“But I’ve never said for them to do that.”

For woman vendor, Ane Perenise, from Falelauniu, said she has no choice but to sell her stuff on the side of the street.

The mother used to sell her pork buns at the old Fugalei market. Since it was demolished to make way for the new market, she was told there was no space for food stalls.

Since then, her and her husband have been selling pork buns on the road. Like Mr. Siliatu, she also employs three other boys to help sell the pork buns.

“I earn about $400 profit from what we sell and that is really good,” said Mrs. Perenise.

“Like any other business, that money goes towards paying the guys, their N.P.F. and other expenses. But I’m still happy that I can help put my kids to school through this business.”

Mrs. Perenise said she has applied for space at the Fugalei Market and she is still waiting.

“When I last checked with them, A.C.C. they told me that they are working on a block for us to sell our goods.”