Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine has said no permission has been given by the city council for vending along Vlissengen road during the planned Cricket Carnival road march on Sunday.
“I have noted with concern a Cricket Carnival poster which has invited vendors to occupy spots along Vlissengen road. The Council has not seen an application for demarcation of spots for vending along the route and as such has not given permission for this activity,” Narine said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
A post on the official Cricket Carnival Facebook page alerted vendors that spots were available along Vlissengen Road, the main route of the parade, on Sunday.
A check by this newspaper revealed that interested vendors have been directed to register at the Cricket Carnival Committee, located at the Sophia Exhibition Centre. Vendors are being asked to pay vending fees ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 per spot.
Stabroek News contacted the Cricket Carnival Committee several times for a comment on the Mayor’s complaint but was told by coordinator that a call would be returned. However, the official did not call back.
In his statement, Narine noted that the Cricket Carnival committee, which only recently updated President Irfaan Ali on the preparations, has never invited the Council nor consulted with it on its activities within the city boundaries, which are under the legal purview of the City Council.
“I am saddened that it would seem that an opportunity for collaboration will be missed. A consensual approach which is mutually beneficial rather than actions which are an obstruction to the Council would have been preferred in the interest of all stakeholders.
“I stand with vendors who must be provided with opportunities to contribute to their economic activity as I stand to advocate for inclusion of the Municipal organ in matters which affect all citizens of Georgetown,” he added.
