Mon Repos vendors want higher compensation, better security after losses in unrest

Vendors rebuilding a burnt stall at Mon Repos market (Orlando Charles photo)

Vendors at the Mon Repos market on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) are seeking more substantial compensation for losses suffered in Tuesday attack as they contend that the $100,000 grants being paid out by the government cannot offset the loss of their goods and produce. 

Their losses occurred after a protest over the police killing of 23-year-old Quindon Bacchus of Golden Grove, ECD last Tuesday, grew out of control, resulting in robberies and damage to property, including the destruction of some of their stalls.

Stabroek News yesterday visited the market where just a few vendors could be observed plying their trade, while some were engaged in rebuilding their burnt-out stalls. Three vendors who spoke to this newspaper have estimated their losses to be just over $500,000 each.