Latest update September 28th, 2026 10:20 AM
‘No vending on Woolford Avenue’ – Manickchand
…cites student safety, traffic obstruction and alleged sale of vapes, alcohol
(Kaieteur News) – Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand has declared that vending will no longer be permitted along Woolford Avenue, following consultations with vendors, schools and parent-teacher associations over activities that she said were affecting students and traffic flow.
Manickchand made the announcement last week after what she said was a “difficult conversation” with vendors who previously operated along the busy avenue, which is home to more than 10 educational institutions.
According to the minister, the issue had been the subject of continuing engagement involving school administrations, teachers, boards, PTAs and vendors.
She said the consultations uncovered several “unsettling” concerns, including allegations that some vendors had spoken inappropriately to and touched students, while others allegedly sold items such as vapes and alcohol to minors.
Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand
Manickchand also said there were instances where vendors allegedly directed abusive behaviour at school staff when rules—including restrictions on vending during instructional hours—were being enforced.
However, she acknowledged that not all vendors were viewed negatively by the schools.
“We also learnt that some vendors added beautifully to the school community,” Manickchand said, pointing to vendors who helped children cross the road, extended credit to parents for snacks, remained until students were collected and offered cheaper alternatives to school canteens.
She said some vendors had been meeting needs within the school community that otherwise were not being addressed.
The minister also raised concerns over electricity connections used by vendors along the avenue.
“It was highly disturbing to learn that the electricity meter connections that were there, were sanctioned with official letter and all of that from the city council,” she said, adding that she hoped the issuance of such letters would “stop immediately.”
Following the consultations, some schools reportedly selected vendors who had been cooperative and whose recent conduct was considered appropriate for accommodation within the respective school compounds.
Those vendors, according to Manickchand, will be allowed to serve within the school compounds under the schools’ arrangements.
The remaining vendors were instructed to remove their caravans, carts and other vending structures from Woolford Avenue.
“There will be no vending on Woolford Avenue,” Manickchand declared.
Meanwhile, Manickchand’s intervention comes in wake of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) issuing a stark warning to the public following reports of possible drink spiking at social events, cautioning that illicit drugs are anything but harmless entertainment.
In a statement CANU had urged patrons to remain vigilant, warning that the combination of illicit drugs, excessive alcohol consumption and drink spiking could have devastating consequences “social events should create memories, not victims,” CANU said, expressing concern over the reported incidents. The agency warned that dangerous substances can be concealed in drinks, powders, pills, candy, vapes and other forms, potentially resulting in overdose, permanent injury, unconsciousness, sexual vulnerability, violence and even death.
CANU stressed that no party, trend or pressure from peers is worth risking one’s life. Patrons are being urged not to accept drinks, vapes, pills or other substances from strangers and never to leave their drinks unattended. They should also trust their instincts and immediately seek help if something appears wrong or they suddenly feel unwell or impaired.
CANU also placed the spotlight firmly on event promoters and organisers, declaring that “safety is not optional.”
According to the agency, organisers have a responsibility to ensure that drug activity is not tolerated, suspicious behaviour is addressed, security personnel are visible, staff are properly prepared, medical assistance is accessible and safe transportation is encouraged. “A successful event is measured not only by the crowd or the music but also by whether everyone gets home safely,” CANU said.
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