By: Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News |
Construction barriers erected overnight in the heart of the Stabroek Market Square commercial zone have triggered frustration and anger among vendors, many of whom say they were blindsided by the move and left scrambling just days before the peak Christmas shopping season.
Vendors told Nightly News that the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development failed to notify them that construction walls would be installed as part of ongoing beautification works in the heavily trafficked area.
“We were not informed by no government minister, the constable—nobody told us anything. They just come and operate this morning,” one vendor lamented.
According to several stallholders, the construction began just before midnight on Wednesday, giving them little to no time to prepare or relocate their businesses.
They said they had been told previously that upgrades were planned—but were never given a timeline, a deadline, or relocation instructions.
Another vendor expressed frustration, noting:
“Every week I pay my revenue. They never gave me any notice—nothing. People just come and start blocking off the area.”
The newly erected barriers have forced many vendors to relocate abruptly, disrupting business activity at a critical time of year when they have already invested heavily in Christmas stock.
“People invest a lot of money for Christmas. At least wait until January. You didn’t notify people—just fence the place in,” another vendor argued.
Several fear that the disruption will severely affect their livelihood during what is usually the busiest period of the year. They are calling on authorities to pause construction and establish a proper, structured relocation plan before continuing the project.
Meanwhile: Local Government Says No Vendors Will Be Displaced – Mayor Says He Was Also Blindsided
Even as vendors complain of inadequate notice, Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore says he himself was caught off guard by the timing and scale of the works.
The Mayor told reporters he was aware of plans to erect a Christmas tree in the area, but was not informed that construction would extend to the whole project now underway, and would affect vendors.
He warned that, without proper consultation, he may be forced to intervene and halt the project.
However, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Dr. Josh Kanhai, insisted that no vendor will be displaced, maintaining that earlier public engagements outlined the project’s overall concept.
The Ministry says work is expected to be completed within two weeks as part of the broader urban renewal initiative.
