GEORGETOWN – A tense but ultimately cooperative meeting between Parika Market vendors and Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand ended today with an agreement for all roadside vending to cease by midnight on December 29, 2025. Vendors will reposition fully inside the market facility, clearing the busy roadway that has become a longstanding congestion and safety concern.
Parika, a key commercial hub that connects commuters and goods to Regions Three, Seven, and Essequibo River communities, has long struggled with overcrowding along the main public roadway. Traffic bottlenecks, frequent pedestrian conflicts, and limited emergency access have prompted repeated calls from residents and police for intervention.
Minister Manickchand described the agreement as a win for both the public and the vendors, noting that the goal is not displacement but improved conditions for business and community life.
“People should be able to shop without fear of being struck by a vehicle. Vendors should have proper shelter and safer spaces to earn their livelihoods,” she said during the engagement earlier today.
Many vendors initially feared relocation would disrupt Christmas sales, mirroring similar anxieties recently seen in Georgetown, where upgrades around Stabroek spurred confusion and protest. The Minister reassured Parika operators that the transition would be managed carefully and that government support would continue beyond the move.
The ministry said it remains committed to assisting vendors with the shift indoors, including layout adjustments, access improvements, and efforts to boost foot traffic within the official market.
Local businesses and transport operators welcomed the decision, saying that clearing the road will reduce weekly accidents and improve the flow of minibuses and cargo vehicles that serve thousands of commuters daily.
As Guyana experiences rapid economic growth, market modernization has been a key focus of local government, with plans underway to upgrade facilities in several regions to support small entrepreneurs while reducing public safety risks.
“We are grateful for the cooperation shown here today,” the ministry’s statement concluded, calling the agreement “a step toward a cleaner and more organized Parika.”
The transition is expected to begin immediately, with full compliance required by December 29.
