Vendors who plied their trade along the pavement at Muneshwers at Lot 9 and 10 Water, Commerce and Longden streets in Georgetown, were on Monday last ordered to remove.
A few of the vendors who spoke to the Stabroek News said that they were told by representatives of the Mayor and City Council (MCC) to vacate the area and complied. At the same time, the area was actively being monitored by patrolling ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
Speaking to the Stabroek News on Monday as well, Mayor of Georgetown Alfred Mentore said that at the next full council meeting, he would propose to have the vendors ply their trade along the road in a stipulated time. He however clarified that this would not be implemented overnight but will be explored and evaluated properly before actions are taken.
Mentore emphasised that the MCC was working to curb the issue which has been in existence for many years. Vendors had been engaged by the MCC and were advised that a long-term solution was being explored. Mentore added that some vendors who plied their trade along the pavements were also owners of stalls in the Stabroek Market and Arcade. Mentore made reference to the Stabroek Bazaar, the Arcade and market as being more suitable for vending.
The mayor said he advised vendors to seek spots in these places to ply their trade. Further, vendors will be able to benefit more in these places compared to vending along the road and the council will be working to redirect them to the market, Mentore said.
The hope is that when the roadside vendors are redirected to the market, parking spaces will be created along the road. But even as the matter is up for discussion, Mentore requested patience from all.
Last November, vendors had told the Stabroek News that they were served with notice to vacate the area around the Munshwers complex. But Mentore had intervened and in a meeting told vendors that moves were underway to stay the notice until January 15, 2024. The area along the pavement surrounding Muneshwers to the east, north, and west sides, had been utilised by vendors for many years. The meeting between Mentore and vendors in November was to determine the future of pavement vending outside Muneshwers location following a court ruling. Mentore had stated during a brief discussion then with the Stabroek News that although all vendors depend on their earnings to support their families, neither he nor vendors could disregard the court order requiring them to move. He had stated then too that the order did not establish a timeframe.
