By: Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News |
REGION TWO, GUYANA — Continuing her nationwide “Market Modernization” tour, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, conducted a series of high-level site visits across Pomeroon–Supenaam on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Accompanied by Ministry and Regional officials, the Minister engaged in direct “boots-on-the-ground” consultations with vendors and market clerks to identify the structural and logistical bottlenecks hindering commerce in the region.
The visit to the “Cinderella County” is part of a broader national initiative to revitalize public markets, ensuring they transition into modern, sanitary, and organized economic hubs.
Assessing the “Development Gap”
The Minister’s walkthroughs focused on four critical areas that have long been points of contention for Region Two traders:
- Infrastructure & Layout: Evaluating the physical state of stalls and the overall “flow” of the markets to ensure safety and efficiency.
- Sanitation & Drainage: Addressing the chronic issues of waste management and flooding that often deter customers during the rainy season.
- General Maintenance: Establishing long-term “care protocols” rather than one-off repairs.
- The Roadside Vending Crisis: Tackling the growing issue of vendors abandoning internal stalls for roadside positions.
The Roadside Vending Dilemma
A major highlight of the visit was the disparity between compliant vendors and those operating on the fringes.
- Internal Compliance: Many vendors have adhered to market regulations, investing in their internal stalls.
- Roadside Encroachment: However, a significant number of traders have taken up positions along the main access roads. This “unfair competition” has severely impacted the income of those operating legally inside the facilities.
- The Enforcement Question: While vendors in other regions (such as Georgetown and the East Coast) have recently been removed for illegal roadside vending, a permanent solution for Region Two remains under discussion. The Minister noted that “practical solutions” are being developed to balance livelihoods with law and order.
From Consultation to Action
Minister Manickchand emphasized that these visits are not merely for observation but are the primary data-gathering phase for the Ministry’s 2026–2027 Development Plan.
“The engagements in Region Two will now inform the next stage of planning. We are working to develop solutions that are not just theoretical, but practical for the specific challenges observed in the Pomeroon.” — Minister Priya Manickchand
| Market Location (Planned Upgrades) | Primary Focus Area |
| Anna Regina Market | Drainage and internal stall organization. |
| Charity Market | Sanitation and riverfront access logistics. |
| Suddie Market | General maintenance and lighting. |
| Supernaam | Structured vending for commuters and travelers. |
A Nationwide Initiative
This visit follows a similar high-level strategy meeting held on Monday regarding the Buxton, Plaisance, and Tuschen markets. The Ministry’s goal is to create a standardized “Market Excellence” framework across all ten administrative regions, supporting local farmers and small businesses while enhancing the overall community aesthetic.
The Ministry is expected to return to Region Two shortly for follow-up consultations with local government bodies to finalize the design and funding allocations for the identified projects.
