By Travis Chase | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has secured a significant legal victory in its effort to clear the congested streets surrounding the country’s primary healthcare facility. High Court Judge Justice Deborah Kumar-Chetty handed down a consent order on Wednesday, compelling the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to remove all vendors and obstructions bordering the hospital compound.
The ruling marks the climax of a long-standing dispute regarding the accessibility and hygiene of the hospital’s perimeter, which GPHC officials have long argued is critical for emergency services and patient safety.
The court order specifically directs Town Clerk Candace Nelson and the City Council to ensure that several key corridors are cleared of all encumbrances on or before May 31, 2026.
The designated zones for immediate clearance include:
- Lamaha Street (between Thomas and East Streets)
- East Street (between Lamaha and New Market Streets)
- New Market Street (between Thomas and East Streets)
- Middle Street (between Thomas and East Streets)
The order covers all mobile food and beverage trucks, carts, and permanent or semi-permanent structures. It further demands the removal of secondary obstructions such as barrels, boxes, pallets, and dustbins currently occupying the parapets and pavements.
The matter was resolved via a Fixed Date Application filed by the GPHC. Notably, the court observed that no affidavit in defense was filed by the Town Clerk or the City Council, leading to the matter being resolved by consent between the two parties. This indicates that the M&CC has essentially agreed to the terms and the timeline set by the court.
The ruling carries heavy weight; the High Court has warned that failure to comply with the May 31 deadline could result in contempt of court proceedings. Such penalties for the responsible officials could include imprisonment or the confiscation of assets.
The move is expected to significantly improve the flow of traffic for ambulances and hospital staff, though it raises questions about the relocation of dozens of small-scale vendors who have operated in the area for years. City Hall has not yet released an official statement regarding where the affected vendors will be moved.
