Displaced Vreed-en-Hoop vendors...Placement plan still under discussion

Displaced Vreed-en-Hoop vendors…Placement plan still under discussion

Sep 22, 2008 News

– Regional Chairman

Plans are ongoing with regards to the placement of vendors of the Vreed-en-Hoop Market Square, who were displaced during a recent enhancement programme which was undertaken in Region Three as part of preparations for Carifesta X.
According to Regional Chairman Mr Julius Faerber, the region is continuing discussions with the Minister of Public Works, Mr Robeson Benn, in order to have the area designated for the vendors prepared for utilisation.
An area at Phoenix Park, West Bank Demerara was earmarked for the vendors, but several had complained that the area was not suitable.

Some vendors are being accommodated at Vreed-en-Hoop by a private property owner

According to Mr Faerber, the removal of the stalls was on the cards for some time, since, over the years, the activities at the market square had proven to be an obstruction.
However, he disclosed, the removal of the vendors was fast-tracked in order to facilitate enhancement measures.
And though they were already aware of the imperative nature of the move, several of the vendors continued to lament the fact that they were being displaced at a time when the cost of living had sky-rocketed.
According to some of them, who have occupied the vicinity for a number of years, it would be a difficult task for them to relocate and still retain their regular circle of customers.
They related that vending at the location had been approved some years ago, and they were allowed to vend a specific distance away from the roadway.
However, it was related to this newspaper that some of the vendors, over the years, had infringed on the defined demarcation, thus causing the Regional Administration to take a decision to put an end to the vending operation there.
An initial phase of the removal process was engaged some time ago, and this saw some of the vendors being placed at the Vreed-en-Hoop Ferry Stelling. However, that location did not suffice the relocation of all of the vendors, thus some remained at the junction.
The continuation of the process saw the remaining vendors being removed altogether from the area, with a view to ensuring that the area remains void of vending.
Mr Faerber had informed that the vendors will be relocated to a site at Phoenix Park, West Bank Demerara, where they will be able to continue their trade with ease in a market-type setting.
He pointed out that the intention was not to hurt the business of the vendors in any way, but to ensure that the region can be viewed as one with much order.
The Regional Chairman said that, as far as he is aware, the vendors have not utilised the area, hence the ongoing discussions to enhance the area for their sake.
He disclosed, too, that a few of the vendors have apparently since been accommodated at a private property a few metres from the Vreed-en-Hoop junction, even as he revealed that another location near the Guyana Power and Light office at Vreed-en-Hoop is also being considered as an accommodation for some of the vendors.