The Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC) has temporarily suspended vending operations along a section of the Merriman Mall and issued vendors a one week deadline to get themselves in order.
The order, which became effective from yesterday, targets vending operations being carried out between Orange Walk and Cummings Street.
According to a statement issued by the M&CC, the order came as a direct result of the Council’s observation that “the area is very untidy,” which is inconsistent with its vision to make Georgetown clean and green.
“The Council would be giving the vendors who operate in the area a one-week ultimatum to put themselves in order, before they can operate in the area,” the statement said.
It was further stated that the wholesale vendors who operate in the area were invited to a meeting with the Clerk of Markets, the Mayor and the Town Clerk and it was agreed that the area would undergo works to facilitate a more clean and attractive environment. The vendors also came to the decision to have all the stalls be of the same dimensions and painted in one colour. On the other hand, the vendors also requested that the M&CC look into the provision of adequate lighting, toilet facilities and security for the area.
Town Clerk Royston King noted that that the municipality is in the process of rehabilitating all of its facilities, while adding that although some persons may suffer temporary inconvenience, the end result is expected to be beneficial to all.
Nevertheless, he emphasised that the vendors must comply with the decision of Council.
