THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has observed the increase in the number of persons involved in roadside barbering and cosmetology. The truism is that every single Guyanese has a right to earn a decent living.

However, should this be done while the laws of the country, town or city is being compromised or the health and well-being of the populace are put at risk?

The Environmental Sanitation Section of the Georgetown municipality has expressed serious concern with the operations of roadside barbers and cosmetologists. From a public health perspective the operation is unsafe.

In addition, it is a contravention of the Municipal and District Council (Act 28:01). Part II Provisions Relating to Barber’s Shop: it states that no person shall act as a barber in or upon any public street or way or at any place within public view other than at a duly registered barber’s shop.

Before a barber can commence operations he must be registered with the Mayor and City Council. The registration process includes a medical examination by the Council’s Medical Officer of Health, who will provide a medical certificate to the applicant deeming the applicant fit to carry out such an operation.
The building to be used must be inspected by an officer of the Environmental Sanitation Section, who will determine the suitability of the building. Therefore, the building must be structurally sound and must confirm to public health standards.
Once the barbers are granted certification by City Council to operate, their operations and the building are subjected to routine systematic and scavenging inspections by officers of the Public Health Department. Also, as a part of the routine Public Health Inspectors are mandated to observe barbers as they engage their clients. This is to determine if required health standards are observed by barbers as they work.
All the equipment used on clients must be sterilised before they can be used on another client. These include: scissors, clippers and other cutting tools. The tools and equipment used by barbers are subjected to thorough examination by the Public Health Inspectors assigned to the area.
All towels used should be washed daily and clean towels used with each client. Barbers should observe hand-washing rules at all times. Barbers found negligent are served notices and if they fail to comply can be taken before the court.
The Public Health Laws were made to regulate public health practices in the city and to protect the citizens of Georgetown from public health diseases that can occur because of poor public health practices.
It is imperative that citizens be cognisant of the Public Health Laws and the fact that they, too, play a critical role in reducing illness and premature death. It also improves the health of the general population within societal limits.
Further, there is a resounding cry from the legitimate barbers and cosmetologists about the unfair competition they experience. Also, they have to comply with rules of the municipality or face prosecution, while those who operate on the Council’s thoroughfares go free.
Therefore, it is imperative that the M&CC meet with the cosmetologists and roadside barbers to determine the way forward.
DEBRA LEWIS
Public Relations Officer (ag.)
Mayor and City Council