Despite Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ promise to help coconut water salesmen grow their businesses, police have continued the nutty decision to criminalize their behaviour.
On Monday, police arrested 24-year-old Aceme Lightbourne for operating his coconut water business on Gladstone Road without a license.
Lightbourne, of Infant View Road, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment before Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux on Tuesday.
Lightbourne, who was represented by Ian Cargill, has been freed on $1,500 bail and will be tried on December 6.
After the Minnis government received backlash over the arrests of the budding businessmen, the prime minister promised them financial assistance.
Last month, PM Minnis made it appear that his government supported the coconut vendors, and by extension, the people.
Dr Minnis said, “The coconut vendors or the coconut boys as they are called, the coconut vendors on the streets would be provided with the necessary materials and equipment to ensure safety of their coconut water.
“They will be provided with coolers and umbrellas and whatever items are necessary and this will be provided as grants from the government.”