— says removal of Stabroek Market vendors not best optionTHE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is objecting to the removal of vendors from under the canopy of the Stabroek Market.

Last week, a rifle was found in a bag in the area, and this resulted in a proposal by the Mayor and City Council to have the vendors removed.

But this suggestion is not sitting well with the PPP. During a press conference at Freedom House on Monday, PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee said removal of the vendors from under the canopy would “take bread out of their mouths and force them into illegal activities”.

“City Hall, in its attempt to rid the Stabroek Market of criminal activities, (will) in effect be creating a wider societal problem by throwing more vendors onto the streets, forcing them to fend for themselves by any means necessary,” Rohee told reporters.

Instead of removing the vendors, the PPP General Secretary said, the Mayor and City Council should heighten security in the area while fostering a greater relationship with vendors.

“What is required is the cooperation of the vendors and an increase of foot patrols by people-friendly — not arrogant — members of the constabulary, as well as intelligence-gathering efforts through undercover police operatives working in collaboration with the City Police,” Rohee suggested.

Subsequent to the discovery of the gun, M&CC Chief Constable Andrew Foo has said the area appears to be a haven for criminals, many of whom engage in narco-trafficking and the sale of stolen items.

In response to the many complaints received, Foo disclosed, many sting operations will be implemented with the intention of apprehending all involved in criminal and other nefarious activities.

An exercise was recently carried out by the City Police, and a quantity of marijuana was confiscated along with items used by criminals for the purpose of breaking and entering.

Superintendent Gordon Langevine has also reported that persons are using the Stabroek Market as a safe haven to sell illicit drugs, and even firearms. “We (City Constabulary) also received reports of people using firearms to rob persons,” the superintendent said.

He explained that a comprehensive plan is being made for the Christmas season, and many exercises will be carried out at Stabroek and Bourda markets.

“It’s time we rid the markets of these elements, because they use the market by night to carry out their criminal activities,” Langevine said, noting that “the Constabulary is now well equipped and prepared to deal with the situation.”