14 Jul 2003

Port Vila mayor gets tough with market vendors who are not paying their way

3:55 pm on 14 July 2003

The mayor of Port Vila in Vanuatu, Patrick Crowby, has issued an ultimatum that all vendors in the capital's market house must pay their outstanding municipal fees or get out.

Mr Crowby says his council has no place for free riders who think they can break municipal bylaws to make a living.

His tough stand comes amid public complaints about the council allegedly turning a blind eye to supporters of the opposition National United Party of which Mr Crowby is an executive member.

The minister of Internal Affairs, Joe Natuman has also threatened to suspend the council if the mayor fails to provide satisfactory answers to a number of questions about how Mr Crowby operates the Port Vila municipal council.