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Mixed reactions to Stabroek Clean-Up – vendors’ move delayed
City Hall’s proposed clean up of the Stabroek Market Square yesterday was met with mixed results; the majority being successful while the delayed relocation of vendors left some angry and disappointed.
The M&CC as part of the clean up exercise proposes to move off all vendors plying their trade from between the abandoned GNCBC building and the old KFC on Water Street and the area immediately surrounding Demico house, to the empty lot on Hadfield Street behind Parliament building.
The move is to allow for the beautification and cleaning of the Stabroek Market Square for the Independence Jubilee celebrations. The vendors were assured by Town Clerk Royston King during a recent meeting at City Hall that the location they would be shifted to would be secured by City Constabulary ranks.
This he said would ensure their safety, monitor all vending activities and to see that no illicit activities are conducted on the premises.
Vendors that peddle their wares in the streets and on the pavements of Georgetown were thought to be the main beneficiaries of the relocation but instead some were openly opposed to the clean up and change of location.
According to City Hall Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis, “some people welcome change, while some do not readily accept it.”
As was previously reported by this newspaper, vendors registered their names at City Hall starting at 7:00hrs yesterday after which they were provided with the necessary tools to dismantle their stalls and clean their respective areas.
Kaieteur News understands that a few private business entities supported the clean up exercise by way of loans of trucks and a tractor.
The proposed site for the relocation of Stabroek Square vendors is not ready for occupation.
Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and Solid Waste Management Director Walter Narine (with phone) engage vendors in discussion.
Lewis stated that some 30% of manpower was provided by the City Council. She also stated that the M&CC was very thankful for the response from the majority of vendors regardless of the inclement weather conditions and the state of the Stabroek Market Square.
The clean-up exercise was not limited to the Stabroek Market area, as vending areas along Water street extending to parts of Church Street as well as along Regent Street between Avenue Of the Republic and Camp Street were included in the massive cleansing.
While the relocation of vendors was scheduled for immediately after the clean-up exercise, several persons openly expressed their disgust and disappointment of the move being delayed. One irate vendor said “Mr. King promise we that by this afternoon (Sunday afternoon) we gon be set up at the new location.” Yet another man lamented the delay saying; “we hold up we end of the bargain and them mek we hand fall!”
The reason for the delay according to Lewis was because the M&CC wanted the site to be properly prepared and set up to ensure maximum comfort and sanitary conditions for the vendors.
In a telephone interview with Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan, this newspaper was told that while the delay may put the vendors out of business for a few days, the M&CC has to balance the interests of Guyanese at large. “We have a responsibility to residents of Georgetown to restore that area (Stabroek) back to a pristine state, rid that square of the illicit activities and eradicate the lawlessness that has been festering there while at the same time ensuring that the vendors are treated fairly.”
He continued that the relocation date is tentative as vendors could be in the new location as soon as Tuesday, but preparations had to be made so as to facilitate an orderly and incident free move.
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I hope you are putting in sanitary facilities for them.Water should be available through standpipes, as the previous, property ,had water and electricity connections. At least 4 portable lavatories, 2 for men, 2 for women, should be installed , and regular arrangements , should be made to service and clean them.The MCC should bear this cost , while the vendors are displaced, as a gesture of goodwill
I agree with this paragraph: In a telephone interview with Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan, this newspaper
was told that while the delay may put the vendors out of business for a
few days, the M&CC has to balance the interests of Guyanese at
large. “We have a responsibility to residents of Georgetown to restore
that area (Stabroek) back to a pristine state, rid that square of the
illicit activities and eradicate the lawlessness that has been festering
there while at the same time ensuring that the vendors are treated
fairly.”