…M&CC condemns action, warns of dangers

THE Georgetown City Council has expressed disappointment that some vendors have returned to the Stabroek Market Wharf to ply their trade despite the fact that a ban has been imposed

During the month of August 2018, the council had declared the area unfit for human habitation. An inspection by the City Engineers Department suggested that the vendors should not be allowed to operate in this area.

The council held several consultations with the vendors and relocation to Russell Square was collectively decided. According to a press release, it was in keeping with the vision of His Excellency, President David Granger, that every vendor should be properly

accommodated. Further, a portion of the wharf was gutted by fire in November 2018 and this had contributed to further deterioration of the age-old facility. The council invited the vendors to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which stated among other things: the stallholders will construct their own stalls, in accordance with the specifications

approved by the council; the council will be responsible for providing orderliness, bins and security lights; the stallholders will be responsible for installing and paying for their own electrical lights in their stall: a grace period of six weeks will be given after the completion of each stall; all stalls are to be constructed within six weeks of signing of the agreement; the rental of spaces for each stall will be a monthly rent of $6,800 and the rights of the stallholders and the conditions of rental must be expressed in writing.

“The Council wants to reiterate that the Stabroek Market Wharf in its current state is a health hazard and poses serious threat to life and limb. The Council is warning citizens not to conduct business in this area and vendors should not occupy this area to do business. Therefore, should an accident occur the Council cannot be held liable or culpable for the loss of life and limb,” the City Hall notice stated.