ABOUT seven barbers and cosmetologists who were not given places on the Merriman Mall were given permission to carry on their trade on the streets of Georgetown by Town Clerk Royston King.
This is the claim that one technician, who said he fixes eyebrows only, made to Mayor Patricia Chase-Green recently when she met with a number of persons who occupy spaces on the Merriman Mall.

Following concerns that the technicians were actually operating against the laws of the city by plying their trade in open spaces and on the streets, Chase-Green called the meeting to inform them that it will not be tolerated anymore.
It was during the discussion at City Hall that the technician at reference sought to justify his operations on America Street by referring to the arrangement between he and six other technicians and the Town Clerk.
“I don’t know about that,” responded the mayor, adding: “The Town Clerk cannot change the law, or else he will go home.”

The mayor also pointed out that those city constables who accept payment from the barbers and cosmetologists to ply their trade on streets such Regent, America and Longden will be chastised.
Deputy Mayor Lionel Jaikarran, who was also at the meeting, concurred that those constables who are found guilty of the practice will be dealt with condignly.
Jaikarran said it was very disappointing, despite the fact that the City Council allowed the technicians to stay at Merriman Mall until July, they have opted to return to the streets. “It is against public health rules; it’s just not possible for you to return to the streets,” he stated.

Meanwhile, some of the vendors were visibly upset at the new developments, and opined that City Hall should do something for them. But they were constantly reminded by the officers that it is not City Hall’s responsibility to find a place for them to work.
The deputy mayor did, however, tell the technicians that City Hall would be willing to help them find a place in which they can all work and pay a rent.
Earlier this week, Councillor Roopnarine Persaud had reported that barbers and cosmetologists of Merriman Mall were being permitted to return to the streets to ply their trade by City Hall officers, although the Council would have decided against this.

“We make a decision here, and then the [council] administration goes out and makes another. That’s a problem we have to sort out; people are doing what they’re permitted to do,” Councillor Persaud remarked.
He charged that whenever these individuals are approached, they refer to the many contacts they have at City Hall.
The mayor concurred with Persaud’s observations and referred to reports that city constables, and even some councillors, are encouraging people to return to the streets.

Although Councillor Carlyle Goring stood up to ask the Council to take the technicians’ socio- economic conditions into consideration, Councillor Malcolm Ferreira noted that they should also take the health and well-being of others into account.
“They’re testing us; we giving them an inch and they want to take a yard,” Ferreira pointed out. He said he was in full support of moving the vendors off of Merriman Mall permanently; and that this was a good opportunity to demonstrate to them that the M&CC means what it says regarding public health.
Another Councillor, Bishram Kuppen, said although it is not the City Council’s responsibility to provide a place for the technicians, the council should provide some kind of assistance to them.