President Ali orders immediate end to ‘ridiculous’ 4pm cutoff at Corriverton Market

President Irfaan Ali on Friday intervened directly in a long-standing complaint at the Corriverton Municipal Market, sharply criticising the 4pm cutoff time that prevents vendors from bringing in their produce and goods after that hour.

Speaking during a packed community outreach in Corriverton, Region Six, the President said the restriction made no sense and should be removed immediately, stressing that vendors should never be hindered from earning a livelihood.

He demanded a clear explanation as to why such a rule exists in the first place and warned that anyone standing in the way of its removal should be relieved of their duties.

“It must be fixed,” President Ali said firmly. “A public notice must be in front of the market so that no Lord or individuals who believe they are Lords can change that notice here at the market. That’s absolutely ridiculous.”

The President reminded regional and municipal officials that their responsibility is to help people, not frustrate them. “Our job is to support and help people,” he stressed, calling for urgent corrective action.

President Ali also disclosed that the Ministry of Local Government has been instructed to conduct a nationwide review of markets to identify gaps, ensure accountability, and eliminate practices that disadvantage small vendors and consumers.