Weeks after the Mayor and City Council stopped vendors from illegally trading along a section of Alexander Street, between Robb and Regent streets in Georgetown, Town Clerk Royston King yesterday declared that no vending would be permitted along that part of the road.
King made the announcement during a meeting in the Council’s chambers with farmers and wholesale and retail vendors.
Following their removal from the street, the vendors had formed themselves into a delegation and visited the Mayor for a meeting with the markets committee and the city administration to formulate a suitable vending arrangement.
At yesterday’s meeting, wholesale vendors were told that they would be allowed to sell along both North Road and Robb Street, between Bourda and Alexander streets, from 7.30 am to 12.30 pm. Retailers, on the other hand, would be allowed to sell from 5 in the afternoon to 7 the following morning.
During the meeting, Mayor Patricia Chase-Green explained that the new system is intended to accommodate everyone.
She also reminded vendors to stay clear of entrances to businesses and residences and she also urged them to keep their environment clean.
Chase-Green stated that the new system would be given a three-month trial run and if it does not work the Council would re-engage the vendors and consider a new alternative.
Clerk of Markets Sherlock Lovell also announced at the meeting that space is available for wholesalers along the Merriman Mall and interested person should make contact with his office.
Meanwhile, vendors also used the occasion of the meeting to call for improved security within the environs of the market. They pointed out that constabulary officers are sometimes posted at locations without any weapon to defend themselves from bandits. They also noted that at nights they do not have access to sanitary facilities.
Responding to the concerns, King said that the council would look to address the issues. He noted that it would reach out to the national police and request their support as they work to improve security in the area.
Earlier this month, the council removed over 30 illegal vendors from Alexander Street, saying their occupancy of the parapets contributed to traffic congestion in the area.
“The challenge we have here is some retailers and wholesalers are attempting to extend market and marketing activities on Alexander Street all the way to South Road and Croal Street. We cannot allow this as they are (interfering with) traffic. They are creating all kinds of untidiness in this area and store owners have been complaining about their entrances and exits being blocked by these very individuals and we are removing those persons…,” King had told Stabroek News.
Some of the vendors who gathered in the Council’s chambers for the meeting yesterday.
