ACTING Town Clerk of the New Amsterdam Municipality, Mrs. Sharon Alexander has said there is an ongoing campaign to get rid of roadside vendors.

But, due to a shortage of staff within the Town Constabulary, it will take a longer time to alleviate the problem, she told the Guyana Chronicle.
“We have 11 constables, two corporals, one sergeant and three regular security personnel and they have to cover locations such as the Mayor’s Residence, the municipal stores, the market and the Esplanade Park, at times. So, it’s a tight situation,” Alexander lamented.
Citing Chapter 28:01 of the Municipal By-Laws, she maintained that roadside vending is illegal, moreso when vendors decide to erect permanent stalls and encroach on the road shoulders.
Alexander said, according to the revised laws, persons can be fined between $10,000 and $25,000.
She acknowledged that the municipality receives overwhelming support from the ‘B’ Division Police but expressed the view that it is not always the best thing to take their ranks away from their regular duties to deal with civil matters within the township.

WELL AWARE
Alexander said: “The Council is well aware of the breaches within the municipality and it is our hope that, in the near future, we would be able to recruit more personnel within our security department to assist us in maintaining law and order in the township.”
Sections of the western half of Pitt Street and along Strand have attracted several sellers in recent years since those areas are among the busiest thoroughfares in New Amsterdam.
Among the popular items being sold are clothing, artificial jewellery, footwear, confectionery, snacks, fruits and DVDs.
The roadside vending is a growing issue and, since errant individuals have adopted various strategies to successfully conduct their business, the New Amsterdam Town Council has a huge task ahead.