“A Humane Show”: APNU MP Saiku Andrews Slams Government’s ‘Ad-Hoc’ Vending Approach
By: Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — The contentious issue of street vending took center stage during A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) Friday press conference, with Member of Parliament Saiku Andrews accusing the government of managing the sector through “selectivity and victimization” rather than a coherent national policy.
As the Ministry of Local Government continues to clear public spaces across the country, Andrews warned that disrupting the livelihoods of thousands without a transition plan is a recipe for social instability.
The Call for a National Vending Policy
MP Andrews argued that the current administration treats vending as an eyesore to be removed rather than a vital component of the Guyanese “economic mix.”
- Policy Gap: Andrews noted that while street vending is a reality in every urban center, there is no formal policy to integrate it into urban planning or economic development.
- The Ad-Hoc Danger: He described the current approach as “ad hoc,” matching the “clown show” energy often seen in other project implementations. “We are about to disrupt them without first consulting them… without telling them the plan includes some level of support for you to transition,” Andrews stated.
A Tale of Two Corridors: Selectivity Allegations
The MP highlighted what he described as a “glaring” imbalance in the provision of infrastructure and space along the East Coast of Demerara.
- Ordered vs. Chaos: Andrews pointed to Lusignan and Mon Repos as examples where ordered vending exists because suitable space was provided.
- Neglected Facilities: In contrast, he noted that in communities like Plaisance and Buxton, existing market facilities are in poor condition, under-utilized, or poorly maintained, forcing vendors back onto the roadsides.
- Political Presence: Andrews leveled a sharp critique at the Minister of Local Government, claiming she puts on a “humane show” in certain communities while being conspicuously absent when her Ministry forcefully clears vendors in others.
Vending as a Survival Strategy
For many, Andrews argued, vending isn’t a first choice but a last resort.
- Lack of Alternatives: The MP suggested that many vendors are single mothers or individuals who have been “victimised and forced out of the public service” due to their political or personal views.
- The Unskilled Gap: He acknowledged that high unemployment and a lack of specialized skills drive people to the streets to earn an honest living.
APNU’s Recommendations for Reform
To move beyond the cycle of “clearance and return,” MP Andrews outlined a multi-pronged strategy for the government:
- Designated Vending Zones: Create structured, safe, and attractive spaces where citizens can shop or have a bite without obstructing traffic.
- Professionalize the Public Service: Ensure that employment is based on merit, not political affiliation, so fewer people are forced into street commerce.
- Support for Single Mothers: Specifically target women-focused government contracts and business grants to help vendors transition into formal business ownership.
- Humane Relocation: If relocation is necessary for safety, it must be done with proper planning, fair compensation, and the provision of a ready-to-use alternative space.
Conclusion: Beyond “Bricks and Mortar”
The MP’s message was clear: development must have a human face. While the government focuses on the “overall appearance of public spaces,” APNU insists that the “dignity and survival” of the people using those spaces must come first.
