By Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News |
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — In a direct response to growing concerns over the state of municipal infrastructure, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, met with vendors at the East Ruimveldt Market on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The Minister’s visit served to reassure traders that a comprehensive rehabilitation plan is in motion, following heated debates in Parliament regarding the management of market projects across the capital city.
The intervention marks a significant shift, with the Central Government moving to bypass traditional municipal oversight to address deteriorating conditions.
The Parliamentary Backdrop
The Minister’s visit followed a rigorous “consideration of estimates” in Parliament last week.
- Opposition Claims: Opposition Members of Parliament argued that while millions of dollars have been allocated for municipal markets in previous budget cycles, there is little “physical evidence” of work being done.
- The “Blame Game”: Minister Manickchand countered these claims by placing the responsibility for the market’s current state on the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC). She argued that the Council’s failure to maintain the facility has necessitated Central Government intervention.
A Consultative Approach to Reform
During her walkthrough, Minister Manickchand engaged directly with vendors to identify “priority areas” for the upcoming works.
Planned Rehabilitation Focus:
- Structural Repairs: Addressing leaks in roofing and the stability of vending stalls.
- Sanitation & Drainage: Improving the waste disposal systems and drainage to prevent flooding during heavy rainfall.
- Security: Enhancing lighting and fencing to provide a safer environment for late-evening trade.
- Conducive Environment: Ensuring the physical space remains attractive for shoppers and profitable for vendors.
“Market culture is a Guyanese culture, and it should be preserved,” the Minister stated, emphasizing that her duty is to ensure these spaces remain functional hubs for economic activity.
Stalemate with City Hall
The Minister’s announcement underscores the ongoing friction between the Ministry of Local Government and the Georgetown City Council.
- Direct Intervention: Manickchand informed vendors that the Central Government is “ready to step in and fix the issues” immediately, citing a lack of action from City Hall.
- City Hall Silence: Efforts to contact Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore for a response to the Minister’s visit and her critiques were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
Economic Impact
The rehabilitation of the East Ruimveldt Market is seen as a vital step in supporting small-scale entrepreneurs who form the backbone of the local economy. By modernizing the facility, the government hopes to increase foot traffic and improve the livelihoods of the hundreds of vendors who ply their trade there daily.
