Latest update March 13th, 2026 12:35 AM
Mentore to seek govt. assistance to construct vending area at Merriman’s Mall
(Kaieteur News) – City Mayor Alfred Mentore will be seeking financial assistance from the government to construct sheds for the vendors who were recently removed from outside of Yhip’s Bakery on Alexander and Robb Streets, Bourda, Georgetown.
The sheds are being constructed on Merriman’s Mall between Orange Walk and Cummings Street, Georgetown and are expected to accommodate approximately 70 vendors operating in and around the Bourda Market area.
Mayor of City Council Alfred Mentore
Mentore, in an invited comment, told Kaieteur News on Saturday that while the exact cost for the project is unknown, the cost will be more than the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) could afford.
He said he is preparing to write the central government to request assistance to cover 50 per cent of the project’s total cost, that is to be determined at the Council’s meeting on Tuesday.
“We got the design for the mall, and we have a meeting on Tuesday to get the approval so that construction can begin. Right now, we are waiting for that approval,” he explained.
The design includes specifications for the shed’s structure, height and length, sanitary facilities, and designated sections for vendors. According to the mayor, councillors will also review the overall cost of the project at Tuesday’s meeting.
“There at the meeting we will know the cost of the whole thing, but it seems like the cost is more than we expected it to be,” Mentore said.
“I’ll be writing to the government to cover 50 per cent of the cost because this project is both a City Council and government initiative. What we are trying to do is involve the government in clearing roadways and relocating vendors into a better environment. All of that will be discussed on Tuesday.”
The project follows the recent displacement of approximately 15 vendors who were operating in front of Yhip’s Bakery at the corner of Robb and Alexander Streets. Their stalls were dismantled following a High Court order, leaving several vendors distressed and in need of alternative vending spaces.
On January 19, Kaieteur News reported that while an exact completion timeline for the new shed has not yet been established, groundwork is ongoing to finalise the project’s modalities. These include discussions on the overall structure, sanitary facilities, number of tables, parking arrangements, and the general layout of the area.
Mentore further emphasised that the project will be treated as an emergency matter stating, “The whole idea behind this is that once we get everything in place, this is not a delay issue.”
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