By: Travis Chase | HGP Nightly News|
Scores of vendors operating in the Stabroek Market Square commercial hub are expressing anger and frustration after construction barriers were erected overnight without prior notice, forcing many to relocate during the height of the Christmas shopping season.
Vendors Say They Were Blindsided
The construction walls, part of a Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development beautification project, appeared just before midnight on Wednesday, according to vendors.
“We were not informed by no government minister… nobody told us anything. They just come and put up this morning,” one vendor told Nightly News, visibly frustrated.
Many vendors say they pay their weekly revenue fees on time and feel disrespected by what they describe as a complete breakdown in communication. Several noted that while they were told upgrades were coming, no timeline or relocation plan was ever provided.
Another vendor lamented the financial impact:
“This is Christmas time. People invest a lot of money. If they wanted to do this, they could do it in January. It’s not fair to spring this on people now.”
Serious Concerns Over Christmas Sales
The construction barriers have already disrupted foot traffic, forcing vendors to relocate suddenly—an especially devastating blow at the peak of Guyana’s busiest shopping period.
Vendors are calling on the Ministry to pause the project, hold proper consultations, and put in place structured relocation measures before continuing.
Mayor Says He Was Not Informed; Ministry Says Vendors Will Not Be Displaced
Even as frustration mounts on the ground, Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore has revealed that he, too, was stunned by the timing and scale of the project.
Mayor: “It Caught Me Off Guard”
Speaking to reporters, Mayor Mentore said he was told about the erection of a Christmas tree in the area, but not about extensive construction that would affect vendors.
He warned that without proper engagement and adequate notice, he may be forced to intervene and halt the works.
“If this continues without consultation, I may have no choice but to step in,” the Mayor stated.
Local Government Ministry Pushes Back
Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Josh Kanhai insists the Ministry has no intention of displacing vendors.
The Ministry claims that during previous public engagements at Stabroek Square, the entire concept of the beautification project was outlined, and that concerns raised now are the result of misunderstanding, not neglect.
The Ministry expects the works to be completed within two weeks.
