GEORGETOWN – Confusion rippled through the Stabroek Market area on Thursday morning as workers began constructing a perimeter wall around part of the market square; with several vendors claiming they received no information about what was happening or why the work was being done.
By midday, the Ministry of Local Government issued a statement clarifying that the ongoing construction is part of a temporary beautification project and not an effort to displace vendors.
According to the Ministry, the new public space being developed will reflect the open, landscaped area opposite the Parliament Buildings and is designed to be fully accessible to vendors, shoppers, and commuters once completed. The work is being carried out only in spaces not currently used for vending, and the duration of the project is expected to be just under two weeks.
Officials stressed that the goal is to enhance commerce, especially with the Christmas shopping rush now in full swing. The upgraded area is expected to create a more inviting atmosphere for customers and provide a safer, cleaner environment for business.
“No vendor is being moved from Stabroek Market at this time or for this reason,” the Ministry stated, noting that upgrades such as better pedestrian flow, safer walkways, and more structured public spaces ultimately support the livelihoods of those who depend on the market for income.
Stabroek Market, one of the most trafficked commercial hubs in the country, has long struggled with congestion, safety concerns, and overcrowding. Urban planners have pushed for incremental improvements to restore order and enhance tourism appeal while preserving the location’s unique cultural identity.
As work continues, some vendors say they remain watchful but hopeful that the upgrade will bring more customers and less chaos. With the holiday season approaching, many will be looking to see whether this quick intervention pays off, and whether the promised communication and transparency remain steady as further improvements are rolled out.
