By: Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News|
BETERVERWAGTING, EAST COAST DEMERARA — President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced a major shift in Guyana’s urban planning strategy, revealing plans to construct modern, structured “vending plazas” to replace the sprawling and often dangerous informal shops currently lining the nation’s main thoroughfares.
The announcement was made during the opening of the new Demerara Bank branch at Beterverwagting, where the Head of State emphasized that the current “disorderly” growth of roadside commerce is no longer sustainable for a rapidly developing Guyana.
The Vision: Orderly Economic Growth
President Ali argued that while the government supports small business owners, the “proliferation” of hundreds of shops directly on public roads creates significant safety hazards and hinders community development.
- The Problem: Illegal roadside vending that obstructs traffic flow, limits pedestrian access, and creates “safety challenges.”
- The Solution: The construction of little open plazas equipped with specialized food courts and essential amenities (water, electricity, and sanitation).
- Target Areas: The initial rollout will focus on critical areas along the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara, with plans to eventually expand nationwide.
“We have to build a more orderly system of growth and development. We cannot have hundreds of shops on the public road… we will build out proper facilities for the small businesses.” — President Irfaan Ali
Ministry of Public Works Intensifies Enforcement
The President’s announcement comes on the heels of an aggressive enforcement campaign by the Ministry of Public Works. In recent weeks, several illegal structures have been removed, and numerous vendors have been served with formal notices to vacate roadside locations.
The “Plaza Initiative” is being framed as the “carrot” to the enforcement “stick”—offering vendors a legal, safe, and professional environment to ply their trade rather than simply removing them without an alternative.
City Hall Weighs In: A Tale of Two Jurisdictions
Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore (the “Chief Citizen”) told Nightly News that the President’s plan aligns with the City Council’s own vision for regularizing vending in the capital. However, Mentore noted a deliberate geographic distinction in the President’s latest announcement.
- Georgetown’s Plan: The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) are exploring similar “vending hubs” to clear the streets of the capital city.
- The “Exclusion” of the City: Mayor Mentore observed that the President specifically highlighted the East Coast and East Bank, staying clear of Georgetown. Mentore suggested this allows the City Council the autonomy to find its own localized solutions for urban vendors.
A Thoughtful Balance: Urban Planning 2026
While no specific completion dates were provided for the first set of plazas, the President described the move as a “thoughtful approach” to balancing two competing needs:
- Economic Opportunity: Ensuring small-scale entrepreneurs have a space to earn a living.
- Public Safety: Keeping the national highways clear for the safe movement of goods and people.
At a Glance: The Plaza Initiative
| Feature | Details |
| Concept | Open-air Plazas with Food Courts |
| Primary Goal | Relocate roadside vendors to structured spaces |
| Key Amenities | Proper facilities, food courts, and utility access |
| Initial Locations | East Coast Demerara & East Bank Demerara |
| Enforcement Partner | Ministry of Public Works |
Conclusion: The End of the Roadside Shop?
As Guyana builds out its 4-lane highways and modern infrastructure, the era of the “roadside stall” appears to be drawing to a close. By transitioning to a plaza-based model, the government aims to professionalize the informal sector while ensuring that “One Guyana” looks as modern as its surging economy.
