‘It was always illegal’ –Displaced Water Street vendors admit mistakes, welcome change
An excavator clearing the area Wednesday evening
An excavator clearing the area Wednesday evening

By Navendra Seoraj

IN light of the destruction of vending stalls by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) Wednesday evening in the Water Street area, in front of the old Guyana Stores storage bond, vendors admit to unlawfully plying their trade there.As the M&CC continues efforts to restore Georgetown to its former glory and ensure that the environment is ready for the Golden Jubilee celebrations this month, vendors expressed their willingness to work along in this process.

The Guyana Chronicle, during a visit yesterday to the area, spoke to a few of the displaced vendors, who disclosed that they are happy with the M&CC’s move to clear the area.

Compared to the removal of the Stabroek Market vendors, which sparked protest actions, vendors in the Water Street area remained calm and supportive of the decision by the City Council, because, according to them, they knew their actions were illicit.

Vendors in the area were served notices on Tuesday last from the M&CC, requesting them to vacate the area within 24 hours of the commencement of the demolition exercise. And this was adhered to by the stall owners who were there.

Some explained that they have been plying their trade there for over 20 years, although it was wrong.

However, one said, “I love my government; so, whatever decision they make to better the country, I will support them. So if we have to move, we have to move.”

Though they will face some level of difficulties in the coming weeks, the vendors said that they are ready to cope with the struggles until the M&CC finds a place for them to conduct their business.

However, while some vendors expressed dissatisfaction over their displacement, some rejoiced because their sales will increase.

Meanwhile, regarding the displaced vendors, M&CC’s Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis explained that once there is space, they will be able to occupy where Royal Castle once stood, opposite the Linden bus park.

A lot of the vendors, she said, already had legal stalls and were plying their trade in that area illegally just to receive an extra bit of income.

On Thursday, Town Clerk Royston King addressed a well-attended meeting of stakeholders on the lawns of City Hall, and informed them of the relocation plans. King outlined that the meeting was aimed at strengthening the Council’s partnership with the vendors and minibus operators who ply their trade on the periphery of the iconic municipal market.

King said the buses plying the Number 41, 45, 46 and 48 routes would revert to parking at their old parking locations, including along Avenue of the Republic and opposite the High Court.

“The plan is that we will clean that particular area and reorganize it to allow for the richness of the city to emerge. It is an iconic area and has a lot of history, and we need to reorganize it to allow for a new set of energies to emerge,” King told the gathering, as he pointed to this year’s Golden Jubilee celebrations being themed with the move to improve the environs of the market.

The Town Clerk explained that the shifting of the vendors and minibus operatives to the locations identified will initially be on a temporary basis, until the Council is able to work out a permanent arrangement for the vendors.

 

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.