By: Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — The restoration of the iconic Stabroek Market has entered a critical new phase. In a move to balance historical preservation with the livelihoods of hundreds of traders, Mayor Alfred Mentore has announced a phased, temporary relocation of vendors operating beneath the market’s massive canopy.
The decision comes as the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), in collaboration with the central government, ramps up essential repairs, including sandblasting, roof restoration, and structural reinforcement.
Phased Relocation: North to South
To ensure that restoration works proceed safely without a total shutdown of commerce, the City Council has implemented a “moving zone” strategy:
- The Initial Move: Vendors currently stationed on the north side of the canopy will be the first to transition.
- The Location: Most will move to designated roadside areas adjacent to the market’s main entrance.
- Operational Choice: Mayor Mentore clarified that while the roadside is an option, vendors may also choose to pause operations entirely until their specific section of the canopy is completed.
- The Progress: Once the northern section is rehabilitated, the construction crew will shift south, and vendors will rotate accordingly.
Beyond the Roof: A Comprehensive Overhaul
Mayor Mentore emphasized that this isn’t just a “patch-up” job. The ongoing project is part of a broader vision to modernize the city’s most vibrant commercial hub.
Key Infrastructure Upgrades Include:
- Sandblasting & Painting: Removing years of corrosion from the iron structure.
- Drainage Systems: Installing upgraded channels to prevent the chronic flooding that plagues the tarmac.
- Hygiene & Safety: New water lines and fortified buffer walls to improve the overall market environment.
Vendor Reactions: Resilience Amidst Uncertainty
Interviews with the affected vendors revealed a community that is largely supportive of the upgrades but wary of the logistical hurdles.
“I know my sales will take a hit for a few weeks, but we can’t keep selling under a leaking roof. We have to adapt for the greater good.” — Stabroek Market Vendor
While some traders expressed concerns about short-term income losses, others called on the Council to be “firm and fast”—urging strict enforcement of the relocation so that contractors aren’t delayed by non-compliant stalls.
Timeline and Logistics (March 2026)
| Action | Detail |
| Market Road Status | Closed temporarily to vehicular traffic to allow construction machinery. |
| Grace Period | Vendors have been given a short window to move their structures safely. |
| Communication | A dedicated channel has been established between the M&CC and the Market Clerk to provide daily updates. |
| Duration | The canopy rehabilitation is expected to last several weeks. |
Conclusion: A Safer Business Environment
Mayor Mentore reaffirmed that while the move is an “operational inconvenience,” it is a vital investment. By the end of the project, Stabroek Market aims to be a safer, cleaner, and more business-friendly environment that can continue to serve as the cultural and economic centerpiece of “One Guyana.”
