“No Notice, No Excuses”: Minister Edghill Vows Immediate Removal of Vendors Blocking Palmyra to Moleson Creek Project
By: Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News|
SHEET ANCHOR, REGION 6 — Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill has issued a final, zero-tolerance warning to vendors attempting to capitalize on high-traffic road projects by erecting illegal stalls. Speaking during a heated stakeholder engagement in Sheet Anchor on Tuesday, the Minister declared that the era of “grace periods” is over for those who deliberately obstruct the US$604 million Palmyra to Moleson Creek Highway project.
Accompanied by senior technical staff, the Minister made it clear that the government will not allow commercial opportunism to derail the timeline of one of the country’s most significant infrastructure investments.
The “Comrade” Clause: Law Over Loyalty
In a blunt address to regional enforcers and local residents, Minister Edghill addressed the common practice of vendors seeking political protection to avoid relocation.
- Immediate Action: The Minister’s new directive is simple: “No notice would be given; the same day you come out, the same day you will be removed.”
- Strict Adherence: He specifically warned supporters of the ruling party against expecting preferential treatment. “Nobody will come and tell me you are a comrade. When you are a comrade, you fall in line faster than the non-comrade,” Edghill asserted, reminding the audience that no one is above the law.
- Emergency Shoulders: The Minister emphasized that road shoulders are designated for traffic safety and emergency vehicle access, not for the permanent placement of caravans, stalls, or derelict equipment.
The Opposition Response: A Call for a National Vending Policy
While the government focuses on enforcement, members of the opposition are calling for a more “humane” and structured approach to the vending crisis.
- Ad-Hoc vs. Structured: APNU Member of Parliament Saiku Andrews recently criticized the government’s “ad-hoc” approach. He is advocating for the formulation of a National Vending Policy that identifies designated “Vending Zones.”
- Economic Survival: Andrews noted that for thousands of Guyanese, roadside vending is the only means of survival. He argued that the government should provide structured alternatives—such as purpose-built tarmacs with washroom facilities—rather than simply impounding stalls and clearing parapets.
Context: The Palmyra to Moleson Creek Highway
The project at the center of this latest dispute is a massive undertaking intended to reshape the Berbice economy:
- Scope: The expansion into a four-lane carriageway is divided into three lots, stretching from the Canje Bridge all the way to the Suriname ferry terminal at Moleson Creek.
- Goal: To reduce travel time and wear and tear on vehicles while supporting the upcoming deep-water port and energy projects in the region.
- Land Reclamation: Minister Edghill clarified that the government is not acquiring private property but is actively reclaiming state land where fences and shops have illegally extended onto the government reserve.
Progress vs. Livelihood
The standoff in Sheet Anchor highlights the friction between Guyana’s rapid modernization and the traditional informal economy. As the Ministry of Public Works prepares to move its heavy equipment further down the Corentyne coast, the Minister’s message to vendors is unequivocal: progress will not wait for the marketplace.
