As they await word on their relocation from the dilapidated Stabroek Market wharf, vendors are reporting heavy losses from their continued trade in the market “danger” zone.
A meeting scheduled for Wednesday at City Hall, to facilitate their concerns about relocation, was cancelled and there is no word yet on when it will be held.
In the interim, disappointed vendors are trying to operate as if it were business as usual despite the visible “Danger” signs and caution tape that has been used to cordon off the restricted part of the wharf.
Earlier this month, engineers had asked vendors at the Stabroek Market Wharf to relocate themselves because of the dilapidated structure was becoming a health hazard. Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green had said the engineers had informed her that they had asked certain vendors on the wharf to move. She also said that some time ago the council had made a decision to close the wharf and relocate the vendors.
A Pomeroon resident, who vends in the restricted area, said she is a mother of six children and is the sole breadwinner of her home. The woman said since the area is now restricted, business has reduced significantly.
“We have employees. We got bills to pay. We want to know what is going on,” a grocery vendor said, adding that the Christmas holidays are approaching and the danger signs are scaring customers away. She called on the authorities to come to a quick compromise to have them relocated.
Another vendor, who sells ground provisions, said that his farm in the Pomeroon is flooded and that he is still selling in the area in order to obtain funds to recover the losses he suffered in the flood. He also said that he is a single parent who has to meet the needs of his children and grandchildren. According to the man, since the danger signs were erected he has had a lot of losses because the goods he sells are perishable and very few shoppers venture in that area now. He is now forced to work beyond the normal work day and sell his goods in the evening to avoid further losses. The man said farmers are also affected by the situation since there is a decrease in demand, resulting in losses for them as well.
A large boat containing fruits, vegetables and ground provisions, was offloading at the wharf at the time of Stabroek News’ visit. The laden boat, Yashoda, was said to have come from the Pomeroon area.
Stabroek News was informed that the meeting at City Hall with the vendors was cancelled because of internal conflicts.
At a press briefing on Wednesday, Chase-Green said acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba cancelled the meeting and she could not give a new date. She said Sooba had cancelled other meetings prior that and they might have to take precedence before a new date could be set to accommodate the vendors.
In the meantime, this newspaper, understands that sections of Merriman’s Mall are being considered for the possible relocation of the vendors. Plans are also in train for a Christmas Village to ensure that all vendors could be accommodated.
In September, a part of the wharf collapsed after heavy winds, leaving commuters and vendors in danger.
Earlier this year, sources at City Hall had indicated that the Stabroek wharf area was likely to see some remedial works. Vendors there had been complaining about the conditions for years.
