STALLHOLDERS and other vendors at the Anna Regina and Bush Lot markets on the Essequibo Coast owe the Town Council $7.4M in arrears fees for rent.

The Interim Management Committee (IMC), at its statutory meeting yesterday, said the indebtedness is a serious issue and tough measures will be taken to collect all the outstanding monies.
Members of the IMC at their last statutory meeting in April called for a list to be submitted with the names of the defaulting sellers.
On its submission, it revealed that some of the defaulters owe in excess of $100,000, although the Markets By-Laws stipulate that charges must be paid in advance.
The IMC had, at its March meeting, instructed that credit for stalls or tables not be granted.
On Thursday, IMC member Rajendra Prabhulall, urged that a firm stand be taken on the matter and demand letters be served on the defaulters to recover every dollar outstanding.
He said the IMC cannot afford to have such large amounts of money outstanding and quoted the by-law which said tenancy shall be on a daily, weekly or monthly basis and the rent payable in advance.
Former Mayor Sammy Rampersaud said the issue is a serious one and agreed that the bye-laws be enforced.
Subsequently, the IMC took a decision and ordered the Town Clerk to send demand notices to the defaulting stallholders and vendors, threatening them with stern action to recover the arrears.