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“No vendor will be removed or displaced” — Mayor assures public as Stabroek Market beautification begins
(Kaieteur News) – City Mayor Alfred Mentore has assured vendors that they will not be displaced or removed because of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development’s beautification project at the Stabroek Market Square.
On Thursday, when works commenced on the project, it sparked tension as vendors say they were blindsided by the initiative, which they fear will affect their Christmas sales. Vendors had disclosed that although they welcome the project, the government should have held a meeting to clarify the plans or considered commencing the exercise after the Christmas period, given their investments in the season.
Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore.
The mayor has since met with the vendors and emphasized that the City Council has always recognized and deeply appreciated the vital contribution that street vendors make to the economic life and vibrancy of Georgetown.
“We have always been mindful of the role our vendors play in our city’s economy and in the daily lives of our citizens. We have always empathized with their situation and remain committed to supporting their livelihoods,” Mayor Mentore stated.
The mayor reminded vendors of his personal intervention last year, during the holiday season, when he successfully negotiated an extension of time with several business owners who had obtained court injunctions and mandamuses requiring the removal of vendors from certain locations.
“That action was taken because I believe in finding fair and practical solutions that allow our vendors to continue earning while respecting the rule of law,” he said.
The plywood wall being built at Stabroek Market Square that caused tension with vendors.
Further, Mayor Mentore stressed that the current beautification initiative, undertaken in close collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, and other State agencies is designed to enhance the environment and will not be to displace vendors in which they operate, thereby improving safety, attractiveness, and ultimately the profitability of their businesses.
“Let me be absolutely clear: no vendor will be displaced or removed as part of this project. As a Council, we are aware of all the persons vending in these environs and have taken note by listing their names to ensure their non-displacement. This, my dear citizens, is to reaffirm my deep commitment to you as your mayor,” he declared.
Acknowledging recent concerns raised by some vendors, Mayor Mentore admitted that communication could have been more effective from the Ministry of Local Government to avoid any confusion.
“I accept that after our collaborative meeting with other stakeholders and the Kings Foundation of the UK in the CHPA boardroom where this item was raised en passant that more could have been done thereafter to communicate directly and consistently with all of our vendors from the very beginning between the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development the contracting entity and that of the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown,” he lamented.
Mayor Mentore concluded with an open invitation, “I encourage every vendor to work with us. Let us join hands with the Council and our partner agencies as we transform Georgetown into a cleaner, safer, more beautiful, and more prosperous City one that benefits residents, visitors, businesses, and vendors alike.”
Further, it was stated that the Mayor and City Council remain available for dialogue and look forward to continued partnership with the vending community.
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