THE issue of illegal roadside vending has become a serious problem,

not only in the capital city of Georgetown, but across our country, and it has given rise to several spin-off problems, such as increased littering and garbage build-up, traffic congestion which increases the probability of traffic accidents, and an environment conducive to criminality.
One of the major reasons for the growth of illegal roadside vending is that the authorities have been ambivalent in their approach, being cognizant of depriving poor people from earning an honest living.
While this argument bears some merit, it is necessary to look at the bigger picture and the long-term negative implications, many of which we are already seeing. Therefore, it cannot be condoned; and one way out of the problem is to provide alternative arrangements so that vending activities could take place in a lawful and orderly manner.
In this regard, the government, via the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has built several market tarmacs across the country. Unfortunately, these tarmacs, which have been built using millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money, remain unoccupied and the ensuing problems associated with illegal roadside vending persist.
We have a culture in this country of being reactive rather than proactive, and perhaps we are waiting for something tragic or disastrous to happen before decisive action is taken to bring an end to illegal vending.
Bringng order to vending activities does not mean people are being deprived of making an honest living. It simply means that they will ply their trade in a lawful and orderly manner and thereby prevent all the problems associated with illegal vending.
President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Clinton Urling, has been critical of the slothfulness in the removal of illegal roadside vendors.
In that light, Urling declared that the GCCI supports the measures that the government is putting in place to have the errant vendors removed, as it constitutes a very pressing matter of commerce in Guyana, and measures should be implemented at a faster rate.
He added that when it comes to any institution or arm of the government, the people should always follow whatever procedures and rules have been implemented to uphold law and order.
He noted that the vendors are violating the rights of store owners and their businesses when they vend illegally on the pavement, especially in the Georgetown area, and this is the responsibility of the relevant authorities, especially since they are unlawfully carrying on their trade in spite of being warned multiple times.
This is indeed a most pertinent observation by Mr. Urling as lawful store owners have to pay taxes and incur other overhead expenses, and yet be subjected to unfair competition.
There is still a chance to curb illegal vending which has already grown to almost unmanageable proportions in some parts of the country. As such, there should be no further hesitation by the authorities in taking swift and decisive action to end this illegal activity before it becomes much more difficult to deal with.