This week we asked the man and woman on the streets what they thought of the Stabroek Market Square following the demolition of stalls and removal of vendors. Their comments follow:
Dwayne John, Public sector employee – ‘It’s a good move but it was a little irrational to just remove the vendors rather than finding them another location. This must have affected the lives of many. It was kind of harsh being January, when everyone would have spent so much money last month.’
Gary Hinds, public sector employee – ‘I’m glad. I saw old pictures of Stabroek square and its beginning to look the same. You feel safer and there’s more order. I’m looking forward to seeing more order, not just at Stabroek square.’
Fazil Khan, self employed – ‘It looks better how it is. I think it’s wrong what they did to the vendors but I think it will reduce crime in this area.’
Wendell George, public sector employee – ‘I love what has happened here. Pedestrians need place to walk. I’m pleased because the place is much more sanitized but they need to find a spot for the vendors.’
Charles Deen, self employed – ‘What they are doing is good but they should have given people notice. You can’t just move them. They should have taken the right steps but it’s beautiful.’
Denneza Greave, private sector employee – ‘The place looks more organized, cleaner and it looks better for tourists because I have heard them complain about that area. As for the vendors, I think they should be set in a place where they can make their daily bread with the place being as it is now.’
Mariah Lall, student – ‘The area is less confusing by far now. In the afternoons when there were all the stalls and buses there was corruption. It all looks better now. There is still a lot of garbage which needs cleaning up and the something else needs to be added like flowers maybe.’
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ueline Carroll, vendor – ‘The new look is not bad at least the buses are in order. I sell at nights alone and now I feel safer. The petty crime is reduced and overall the new look is unique.’
Megan, private sector employee – ‘I think it looks good. I think that they should find somewhere else for the vendors because it’s their livelihood. Now it is also easier to catch a bus because everything is organised.’
Fiona Bascom, self employed – ‘I like how it enhanced the place and make it look nice. Before you couldn’t pass in peace because the thieves pick your pockets and when you put down your bag they gone with that too.
It is a good move that they made to clear up the place. Vending is throughout the world but you can vend in a decent manner. The new look is more spacious and I’m glad that they put the police outpost there. I’m very glad about that.’
Interviews by Tiffny Rhodius and Francis Abraham
with photos by Abigail Semple