FARMERS’ markets are currently being reviewed as alternatives to ensuring there is adherence to health advisories on social distancing, in the fight to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

During a virtual meeting hosted by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) with key stakeholders, Georgetown Mayor, His Worship Pandit Ubraj Narine, said a proposal was drafted that seeks to establish farmers’ markets across various constituencies.
This proposal which has been submitted to the Ministry of Communities will be amended and submitted for further review by the CDC, the Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders. One of the main amendments will see a measured layout of alternative farmers’ markets for several constituencies within Georgetown.

Another adjustment will include costs associated with the sanitisation of these locations. While the number of days and operational hours are to be determined, the stakeholders proposed D’Urban Park be used as one of the sites for the farmers’ market. It was determined that the Department of Social Cohesion will be engaged in subsequent discussions since it has oversight for D’Urban Park.

It was further agreed that the market will only accommodate wholesale and retail sales of fresh produce, inclusive of vegetables, fruits and provisions. Suggestions for alternative venues for farmers’ markets were first aired at the National Stakeholder Forum, held April 6, 2020.