Dear Editor,

VENDING is now a serious problem in our country. However, vending is a necessity, and very convenient for the population at times. It can also sometimes prove to be a traffic hazard, messy, and the place where criminals and bandits prowl and prey on our citizens. Our country, like any other country, will have to appreciate and accommodate some amount of vending, whether in the city or elsewhere.

As the Christmas season approaches, we will witness much more vending, and people will appreciate the situation. However, it is imperative that serious efforts are put in place to prevent the dangerous criminals that operate freely, particularly during the busy shopping season.

Guyana is on the rise; development is taking place at a fast rate. Hence, legitimising vending and providing safe spaces for vendors must be accompanied by adequate security for our citizens. Vendors must not offer security and hiding space for the criminals and thieves who are around the markets. We must appreciate that vending takes place where commuters and people traverse. The marketplaces, junctions, parks/carparks and venues that attract people, particularly during peak hours, are some of the spaces that attract vendors.

Vending is a business; our vendors must ply their business at the appropriate place, and at the time when it is most suitable. The place of vending must be kept clean, and must not be littered and unhealthy. Vendors at the road corners and street parapets must not cause traffic problems. Vendors must be responsible for their customers’ well-being. Schoolchildren in particular must purchase their fruits and snacks in an appropriate and hygienic environment.

Our people love fresh fruits and vegetables, and housewives on their way home usually make their purchases at the most convenient venue. Many persons love to take their breakfast on their way to work, hence, the food handlers must be clean, and provide quality service to the working population.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism must work together to empower the vendors, and guide them to work within the law. With all the development taking place in the country, the municipalities, Regional Democratic Councils and the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils must devise means and identify sites where vendors can be placed.

The pandemic is with us, and our people must be protected; we must have attractive facilities with all the necessary accommodations. While the markets must have bathrooms and, where necessary, seating facilities, the service providers must dress properly. Food handlers and service providers must look elegant, and at all times be polite and courteous to the public.

Guyana is a tourist destination, and we must invest to make our country more attractive. We must have more night facilities, a floodlight-type atmosphere so as to have real night-time economic activities. As such, our communities must be sparkling and inviting for all-time recreation and enjoyment. Our design must enfranchise and empower our communities to produce a commodity that will make our country a special place.

Roadside vending, markets and seawall vending must be clean and attractive. All relevant stakeholders must put Guyana first. We must develop a culture of cleanliness and safety; our country is known for our high-class hospitality. We need to promote and respect our small businesses, hence, vending must be protected and encouraging, so that our country and people could be a better place. Guyana must have a Vendors’ Association, which will operate in the best interest of our country.

Yours sincerely,
Neil Kumar