A group of street vendors who were recently removed from in front of Popeyes on Water Street, Georgetown, staged a protest yesterday outside the Kitty Market complex, where the Georgetown City Council statutory meetings are hosted.
The vendors, expressing frustration and despair, sought to voice their grievances after losing their primary source of income.
Stabroek News was present at the scene and spoke with several vendors, who shared the difficulties they now face in providing for their families. Many said they are unsure how they will earn their livelihood moving forward. One vendor, a mother, explained that her financial situation has become so dire that she can no longer afford to send her children to school. She expressed deep concern regarding the future of her family’s well-being and her children’s education, stating that the sudden eviction left her overwhelmed and stressed.
The removal of the vendors, which took place earlier this week, followed an order issued by the Georgetown City Council. However, during the protest, several of the vendors levelled accusations against Town Clerk, Candace Nelson, claiming she responded in a hostile and demeaning manner when they sought her assistance.
Stabroek News reached out to Nelson regarding the allegations but she firmly denied the accusations, stating, “I have never called anyone by derogatory names. Whenever I am tasked with communicating decisions of the Council or enforcing court orders, I do so professionally and respectfully.” She clarified that the decision to remove the vendors was not personal but was in compliance with a court order.
Two councillors, representing the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Don Singh and Alfonso DeArmas, defended Nelson during the protest. They explained to the vendors that Nelson was merely carrying out the directives of the court and acting in accordance with the law. “The Town Clerk had no choice in this matter,” Singh said.
DeArmas also echoed Singh’s explanation, urging the vendors to understand that Nelson was not acting independently but was bound by legal obligations. Both councillors assured the vendors that the issue would be brought before the statutory council meeting scheduled for that day. They pledged to advocate on behalf of the vendors and work towards a solution to alleviate the challenges they now face.
The incident has sparked renewed debate over the City’s management of the issue of street vending and vendors in Georgetown, with many calling for more sustainable solutions that balance the enforcement of city laws with the economic realities of those who rely on street vending for survival. Following the discussions during the statutory meeting, Mayor Alfred Mentore and various councillors deliberated on the concerns of the vendors. The mayor promised to review the existing laws and explore solutions that would allow the vendors to continue their trade until more permanent locations could be identified. The mayor joined the vendors, who were still gathered, further engaging them with reassurances them that their concerns would be attended to.
