The space to be upgraded, similar to the public area recently created opposite Parliament Building, is expected to include a raised floor, park benches, decorative features, kiosks, and an area for artistes to perform.
GEORGETOWN, Guyana-A planned beautification project at Stabroek Square in Georgetown commenced on Thursday, but it quickly triggered unease among vendors, prompting clarifications from government officials and calls for a temporary suspension of works from Mayor Alfred Mentore, as concerns grow about access, visibility and possible loss of income during the busy Christmas season.
The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development and the Ministry of Housing have both defended the initiative, saying the project is temporary, will last less than two weeks, and will not displace vendors.
The space to be upgraded, similar to the public area recently created opposite Parliament Building, is expected to include a raised floor, park benches, decorative features, kiosks, and an area for artistes to perform. The concept was shared with Mayor Mentore and City Councillors during a meeting last Thursday, where they reportedly welcomed the design.
The Ministry of Local Government also released a video presentation of the square’s new layout at a stakeholder engagement, noting that repairs to the historic Stabroek Market roof will begin soon.
In a public statement, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand said the plywood hoarding around the site is standard for public safety and stressed that only two vendors may be minimally affected during the short construction period. She encouraged stakeholders to avoid politicising the process, adding that the finished space would be safer and more accommodating for vendors, commuters, families, artists and tourists.
Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government, Josh Kanhai, also insisted that no vendor is being removed. He explained that the wooden structure now going up is part of a temporary fence, intended to guide the layout of the improved space. According to him, vendors will continue to sell inside the area, with kiosks and seating to be added as part of the Christmas enhancement programme.
Kanhai said the Ministry had already rolled out a ‘Way Forward’ campaign in recent weeks, installing bins and improving waste management ahead of the beautification push. He stressed that vendors “are not to be displaced” and that any reports of forced removal are unfounded.
But on Thursday morning, several vendors expressed distress after construction crews began installing posts and hoarding in the wee hours of the morning. Long-time vendor Ms Osborne said she was caught off guard.
being erected would block public visibility of their stalls. “How are we going to sell?” she asked, explaining that Christmas is the busiest period and that many have already invested heavily in stock. She called on Minister Manickchand to visit the site and offer clear guidance on what alternative arrangements, if any, would be made.
Mayor Mentore also said he was surprised by the pace of the works and concerned about the potential displacement of vendors. He noted that while the concept was shared with the Council, he was not informed of the implementation timeline or the possible impact on those earning their livelihoods in the area.
“In relation to displacing a person and not giving them a chance to earn, I cannot be comfortable,” the Mayor said. He indicated that based on the feedback he has received from vendors, a suspension of works may be necessary until the Ministry, the Council and affected sellers can agree on a plan that protects livelihoods.
Mentore said he will be seeking urgent discussions with the Ministry of Local Government to establish a “common ground” and ensure that vendors are properly briefed and accommodated.
Works are continuing for now, and the Ministry maintains that no vending spot within the market square is being touched. The construction is confined to an area not currently used for vending, officials say, and will be completed before mid-December.
