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Stabroek Market uproar fueled by mistrust between vendors, Govt. – Manickchand
(Kaieteur News) – Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand said the recent upheaval at the Stabroek Market by vendors was a case of mistrust between them and the PPP/C government.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand
Manickchand said she believes the issue emerged because of the existing mistrust between parties including central government, the municipality, and vendors.
“So there’s a lot of mistrust, and I hope, after that became a rallying point for politicians and others, that one of the things we could do with this is not only build out a space that I’ll tell you about yourself, but also show people that when you say you’re going to do something, or you’re not going to do something, that you actually can be trusted,” she explained.
The minister reiterated that no vendor will be affected at this point, and noted that the reorganisation will also be taken to Bourda and Mon Repos markets.
Noting that public spaces will have to be reorganised, Manickchand assured that this will be done in consultation with the relevant persons.
“So, what we did at Stabroek Market, we’re building out a square, a space that will allow for families to sit down and enjoy the experience of Stabroek. (We will) raise the flooring, because the vendors actually complain themselves about that. Inside that square there were literally only two vendors, which is why I was very perturbed to see people say we were displacing them. There were two vendors, and Ganesh Mahipaul of the opposition, took a drone shot to show the space, and inadvertently showed the two vendors. One is a coconut vendor, one is a lady who sells wares, literally wares plates and cups and mats and so on,” she explained.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand during the interview.
Neither of the two people referred to have been displaced. Revealing that she had a conversation with the coconut vendor, the minister said she offered him a spot to sell in the square in a corner that will be set up.
She told him, “When the square is finished, we’ll give you a corner in that square where you become the coconut man of the square. This is something you want? He looked at me. I’m not sure he believes me as yet. I’m not sure he trusts me with that as yet, but I’m willing to work for his trust. The lady with the wares, we have to find a spot for her, because she’s not able to sell wares on that spot,” she reasoned.
Painting a mental picture of what she envisions, she asked listeners to imagine tables with families who just purchased treats from Demico across the street, venturing to the square to eat. Music playing, or two young artists looking to start a band being there and playing for persons to hear.
“An artist setting up their place where they can do portraits of people who pass by, the clock working, in the background, that’s what I’m seeing that fingers crossed, and then just a building out of a new area,” she added.
She said she is pleased with the reduction of garbage, which has taken effect from bins being put in place and a dedicated garbage truck available for that purpose.
Last week City Mayor, Alfred Mentore assured vendors that they will not be displaced or removed because of the beautification project.
Tension flew last week when vendors accused the government of blindsiding them by the initiative. They argued that their Christmas sales would be affected. 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.
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.
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