By Dillon Goring

OF recent, there has been quite a new phenomenon that has been taking place along the East Bank Public Road.

The number of roadside stalls between Bagotstown and Friendship has been increased. Items on display include Plantain, eddo, cassava, pine and watermelon.
Guyanese and visitors, on the their way to Georgetown, or heading to Timehri, need not think of going far to get the latest deals on these and more items, on sale at the various vendors who are strategically located for their convenience.

Vendors, during an interview with this publication, said that they are able to sustain and maintain their families, particularly during this time, with the income garnered from the reduced sales.
One vendor remarked that, though it is not much, it is still enough to maintain their families.

Back in 2018, according to reports, food vendors enjoyed increased patronage in the city of Georgetown and elsewhere in the country due to certain economic developments which kept workers extremely busy and caused them to eat their major daily meals away from their homes.

Vendors enjoyed a quick turnover and some confessed that the business was indeed a viable one, with very little external expenditures attached. At the same time, customers felt a sense of familiarity with the meals offered and the fact that they, at times, could have dictated the ‘combinations’ that were offered, and, on special occasions, the serving sizes. It appeared to have been a win-win situation.

It has been observed that many of these places, because they are at street corners or in the middle of streets, do not have washroom facilities. The ‘stop, purchase and go’ trend is therefore practised.

Street vendors generally understand what is required of them and many comply. The trade is seen as a social and economic benefit for all those who participate.