A San Fernando coconut vendor says he is worried he could lose his livelihood after police issued him a $19,000 fixed-penalty ticket for six traffic offences during a roadblock on Sunday night.

Ravi Baboolal, who sells coconuts at Library Corner, said he was on his way around 8.30 pm to drop off coconuts at his vending stall when he encountered the police operation. He said officers later chased him after he did not immediately stop and issued the ticket at the corner of Keate and Mucurapo Streets.

The offences listed were:

• Driving without a valid inspection sticker/certificate — $2,000
• Failing to comply with the directive of a police officer — $1,500
• Using a vehicle without a valid policy of insurance — $10,000
• Permitting excess smoke/visible vapour to be emitted — $2,000
• Using a vehicle with defective tyres — $2,000
• Carrying an unsecured load — $1,500

Baboolal, who turned 39 on Sunday, said he had previously been suspended from driving after earlier offences. Although the suspension period ended in November, he said he did not know he needed to apply to have his permit reactivated.

While acknowledging some issues could have been avoided, Baboolal said he plans to seek legal advice and may challenge the insurance charge in court. His immediate concern, however, is paying the $19,000 by February 3. He said he was told late fees of $250 per month would be added to each fine if he misses the deadline.

“How am I to pay this $19,000 in tickets? I do not make much money here,” Baboolal said, adding that he pays rent for his vending stall and employs three workers. He said he believes he may have been targeted, claiming the same officer had ticketed him before.

Baboolal said losing access to his van would force him to buy coconuts from wholesalers who sell from vans, increasing costs and likely raising prices. He also said he had planned to repair the vehicle and have it inspected but now cannot afford it.

The case comes amid recently increased traffic fines. A legal notice published on Christmas Day amended the Ninth Schedule of the relevant Act, raising penalties across a wide range of offences. The changes took effect on January 1, with several fines doubled, including $1,000 penalties raised to $2,000 and $750 penalties raised to $1,500.

Baboolal described the increases as unfair, particularly as some people have lost jobs, and appealed for more time to pay. He said selling his van may be his only option, but that would end his business. “My vehicle is my livelihood,” he said.