GUYANA, the beautiful South American nation known for its rich natural resources and diverse culture, has been experiencing rapid transformation in recent years.
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s commitment to infrastructural development has undoubtedly brought positive changes, but there are challenges that need to be addressed for sustainable progress.

One critical issue that demands attention is the encroachment of market vendors on important roadways. While acknowledging the need for adequate consultations, it is essential to remove these encroachments in order to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and pave the way for comprehensive development.

First and foremost, it is crucial to recognise the immense importance of infrastructure in Guyana’s development. Modern roads, bridges, and transportation networks are the arteries through which economic growth and social progress can flow.
They connect communities, facilitate trade, and attract investment. Therefore, it is commendable that the Guyanese government has prioritised infrastructure projects to improve the nation’s connectivity and unlock its potential.

However, a challenge that has emerged alongside this progress is the encroachment of market vendors onto critical roadways. While it is understandable that these vendors seek accessible locations to showcase and sell their goods, their presence on the roadsides often leads to traffic congestion and compromises the safety of both pedestrians and motorists. It is imperative to strike a balance between the economic activities of these vendors and the broader needs of society.

To address this issue, it is crucial to engage in adequate and proper consultations with market vendors, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns are taken into account. This position was reiterated by Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo following an engagement with Plaisance residents, some of whom were market vendors who received notices of removal from the Ministry of Public Works.

Dr. Jagdeo maintained that while the vendors may need to be removed to facilitate the moving forward of the road project, the serving of the letters without proper consultation with the vendors was most definitely not the way to go.
“It should have never happened, it was callously done and I’m not going to walk back on that comment… I believe that they [Ministry of Public Works] could have easily done what we did here today and talk to people first and then subsequently issued the letter,” Dr. Jagdeo said

These consultations should involve representatives from the government, vendors themselves, relevant authorities, and community stakeholders. The goal should be to find alternative locations or designated spaces where vendors can continue their businesses without hindering traffic flow or jeopardizing public safety.

Furthermore, the government has been exploring options for providing infrastructure and support systems that benefit both vendors and the larger community. Developing designated marketplaces with proper facilities, such as sanitation services and storage facilities, can create a win-win situation. This approach would not only enhance the working conditions for vendors but also ensure that consumers have access to a more organised and regulated marketplace.

It is important to emphasise that these adjustments should not be perceived as a threat to the livelihoods of market vendors. Instead, they should be viewed as an opportunity for growth and development.
By relocating vendors away from critical roadways, Guyana can pave the way for a more efficient and safe transportation system, attracting more investors, stimulating economic growth, and improving overall quality of life.

However, it is crucial to handle this transition with sensitivity and empathy. Proper compensations, training programmes, and assistance for affected vendors should be an integral part of the relocation process.
Through adequate consultations, collaborative decision-making, and the provision of alternative market spaces, Guyana can strike a balance that allows for both infrastructural development and the sustainable operation of market vendors. By doing so, Guyana can pave the way for a brighter future where progress and inclusivity go hand in hand.