By| Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — The iconic Stabroek Market, the heartbeat of the capital’s commerce, is currently the center of a heated political and humanitarian row. Despite a massive $2 billion allocation announced by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, vendors report that the “Grand Old Lady” of Georgetown is drowning—both literally and figuratively—in a sea of filth, broken infrastructure, and broken promises.
While Minister Priya Manickchand maintains that rehabilitation is well underway, opposition leaders from APNU and WIN are calling the current efforts a “facade” that ignores the existential health hazards lurking beneath the surface.
The Reality on the Ground: Floods and Filth
For the hundreds of vendors who call Stabroek home, the daily reality is a far cry from the government’s developmental brochures.
- The Malfunctioning Valve: A recurring technical failure in the market’s drainage valve has led to frequent flooding. Vendors are often forced to ply their trade in stagnant, unsanitary water, which they claim the authorities have failed to repair despite numerous reports.
- Health Crisis: The combination of stagnant water, deteriorating wooden structures, and inadequate waste management has created a breeding ground for bacteria, posing a direct threat to both retailers and the thousands of consumers who visit daily.
- Infrastructure Decay: Beyond the water, the internal structural integrity of the market remains a primary concern, with many sections deemed hazardous.
“Window Dressing”: WIN and APNU Slam Govt. Strategy
Opposition figures have turned up the heat on Minister Manickchand, accusing the administration of prioritizing optics over actual engineering.
- Odessa Primus (WIN General Secretary): Primus was scathing in her assessment, labeling the government’s approach as “window dressing.” She argued that painting the facade of the building does nothing to fix the structural rot or the sanitation crisis. “Cosmetic fixes are insufficient and misleading,” Primus stated, demanding a comprehensive overhaul.
- Ganesh Mahipaul (APNU MP): Mahipaul focused on the “missing link” between the budget and the building. He highlighted significant discrepancies between the hundreds of millions reportedly spent and the lack of tangible progress seen by the public.
The Paper Trail: Where is the $2 Billion?
Minister Manickchand defended the government’s track record in Parliament, outlining a multi-year investment plan:
| Financial Year | Allocation/Expenditure | Project Status |
| 2025 | $200 Million | Spent on initial phases/rehabilitation. |
| 2026 (March) | $74.79 Million | Roof repairs (Contractor: BM Properties Inc.) |
| Total Plan | $2 Billion | Slated for full market and Bourda Green redevelopment. |
The Minister insisted that the roof repairs are slated for completion by the end of March 2026. However, with the deadline fast approaching, vendors remain skeptical as they continue to use umbrellas inside the building during rainfall.
The Accountability Gap
The crisis at Stabroek Market has become emblematic of a larger struggle over governance and the management of public spaces.
- Transparency: Critics are calling for a public audit of the funds paid to contractors like BM Properties Inc.
- Sustainability: Vendors are asking for a permanent solution to the drainage valve issue rather than “stop-gap” measures that fail during the next high tide.
- Governance: The tension between the Central Government and the City Council continues to hamper a unified response to the market’s needs.
As the March deadline for roof repairs approaches, the eyes of the nation are on the “Big Market.” For the vendors, the issue isn’t about politics—it’s about the right to work in a space that doesn’t threaten their health.
