…many use stalls in the new mall as store houses
THE enforcement unit of City Hall, the Constabulary Department, yesterday took a stern stand against persons who continue to vend in front of the Stabroek Market without permission. The vendors, many of whom are stall holders in the New Stelling View Mall, which was commissioned late last year, complain bitterly that they were not given any recent notice of removal.
But their claims were described as null and void by other vendors who are presently occupying stalls in the mall. According to those who are occupying their stall in the new mall, those who vend on the outside had rushed to secure stalls in the location and are using them as store houses and bonds.
Yesterday morning media operatives visited the mall where several stalls were tightly secured and only a few were seen open for business. However, that quickly changed as several persons began strolling into the location with their goods in hand or on carts.
Despite the heavy media and city enforcement presence, errant stall holders were seen moving their items from the vending area into their stalls at the mall. One gentleman was photographed by this reporter as he rolled an entire cart load of goods into his stall before securing the stall with several locks.
In January, the Council had warned the vendors, many of whom are women that they will need to occupy their stalls or be forced to remove from the vending location.
However many of them were adamant that they should remain in front of the market and ply their trade, since moving into the recently commissioned mall will mean fewer sales as persons are afraid to venture into the “lonely” area.
Yesterday, the vendors were given the ‘pack up and move out’ orders just after 10:00 hrs.
Many of them commented that the move by the Council was disrespectful as they were not given any notice, opining that they should have been informed over the weekend.
Some complained that several foreign nationals could be seen vending in other parts of the city and along pavements and are continuing to do so uninterrupted.
Meanwhile, one vendor, who has been operating at various locations around the market, said that thousands of dollars have been spent by vendors’ adhering to regulations of the council. The woman, who is a pensioner, explained that they have followed all the rules of the Council with the hope of things between the two sides changing for the better.
But the vendors were very reluctant to point out who were those among them that owned stalls in the recently commissioned vending mall and other spots around the city. The actions of the vendors, especially those with stalls elsewhere, were described as “wicked” and “wotless”.
One man remarked that the actions of the legitimate stall holders, who choose to abandon their stalls in the mall to vend elsewhere, prevent others from being able to earn a living.
There was some tension during the standoff between vendors and city constables yesterday morning, as some vendors threatened to remain where they were.
But they eventually complied, voicing some profanity as they removed.
For years the Mayor and City Council have had several confrontations with vendors, pertaining to where, how and when they should ply their trade. Vendors were barred from erecting permanent vending stalls around the Stabroek Area. They were advised to construct metal collapsible stalls that they are required to remove daily at 18:00 hrs.
However, despite the many agreements among City Hall, the City Constabulary and vendors, there is always a breakdown in communication somewhere along the line that causes altercations such as was played out at Stabroek yesterday.