Dear Editor,
Please allow me space in your newspaper to highlight an issue which needs to be urgently addressed by law enforcement authorities in Parika, East Bank Essequibo (Region 3), as it is causing much frustration to citizens. This is in relation to vending on the roadside in Parika. For some time now, stall holders have been occupying the roadways to display their goods, especially clothing, and preventing the free flow of traffic and people.
Some vendors, even though they are renting shops along the roadside are now coming out to occupy the roadways. Persons cannot walk in the corner of the road, they are now forced to walk in the path of oncoming traffic. Even other vehicles cannot park or stop properly, they have to do so in the middle of the road, most times creating a bottleneck. I should mention that this is a huge commercial area where there are several banks and offices etc., and citizens would like to go about their business freely. As a bus driver, I am extremely frustrated over the situation.
Several complaints have been made to the Parika Police to take action, but it seems that the issue is proving to be a challenge for them to address. In some cases, when the police warn the vendors to take their items off the roadways, they comply for a day or two, but soon after they go back to breaking the rules. I am pleading with the Commissioner of Police and the regional authorities to look into this matter urgently and take a stronger action against persons breaking the law. One could only imagine what would happen as the peak season approaches if this matter is not addressed forthwith.
Sincerely,
(Name and address provided)
