By: Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — The standoff between the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and the vendors operating at the Square of the Revolution has reached a temporary truce. Following an urgent meeting on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Mayor Alfred Mentor announced that the initial 14-day eviction notice has been extended to allow for a smoother transition to a newly identified municipal site.
The relocation aims to restore the aesthetic and historical dignity of the 1763 Monument, which has reportedly become obscured by the growing number of stalls on the tarmac.
The New Location: Vlissengen Road Reserve
While the vendors must eventually vacate the “Cuffy Square” area, Mayor Mentor confirmed that the Council is not simply pushing them out but is actively preparing a dedicated space.
- Strategic Shift: The Mayor pointed to a patch of city reserve located just around Vlissengen Road (near the school area) as the intended new home for the traders.
- Engineering Phase: The extension of the deadline is contingent on how quickly city engineers can clear and develop this reserve to accommodate the stalls.
- The Promise: “What we will do now is prepare the place… and then we’ll make the transition,” Mayor Mentor assured the vendors, emphasizing that the move will only happen once the new site is ready for business.
Compassion vs. Legality
The Mayor was candid about the Council’s legal standing, noting that the M&CC is not statutorily mandated to provide vending spaces for citizens. However, he framed the current approach as one of “compassion.”
- Economic Engine: Mentor acknowledged that vending is a vital pillar of the Guyanese economy and supports hundreds of families.
- Respect for the Monument: Deputy Mayor Denise Miller echoed the need for balance, highlighting that the 1763 Monument is a major tourist and historical landmark. She noted that the Council has received “numerous complaints” from visitors and photographers who are unable to access or photograph the site due to the congestion.
“We want to maintain that you have the capacity to earn and live in Guyana, but the idea is how [and where].” — Deputy Mayor Denise Miller
Transition Timeline (March 2026)
| Phase | Action |
| Initial Notice | 14-day removal order (Issued early March). |
| Current Status | Deadline Extended indefinitely until site prep is complete. |
| Site Prep | City engineers currently assessing the Vlissengen Road reserve. |
| Site Visit | Mayor Mentor to lead vendors on a walkthrough of the new location this week. |
Context: The “One Guyana” Urban Renewal
This relocation effort aligns with the broader national push to modernize Georgetown’s public spaces. Similar initiatives have recently been seen at the Stabroek Market wharf and along the East Coast Embankment, where authorities are attempting to balance rapid infrastructure growth with the preservation of cultural heritage sites.
As the engineers begin their work on the Vlissengen reserve, the vendors of Cuffy Square remain in place, awaiting the final signal to move.
