Vendors operating within the vicinity of the 1763 Monument are now required to vacate the area in keeping with a unanimous decision taken by the Georgetown Mayor and Town Council on Monday.

The decision to clear the Square of the Revolution comes amid concern that the 1763 Berbice Slave Rebellion Monument is being desecrated by both commercial and non-commercial activities. 

City Mayor Alfred Mrntore told News Source that vendors would be given 14 days to remove from the Square of the Revolution upon being served notice by the Council, while owners of the trailers parked aback of the monument are being given 24 hours to move the trailers.

The Mayor said should persons fail to abide by the decision of the Council; the Municipality will be forced to take action.

 When News Source visited the Square of the Revolution today, Edith Norton was among three vendors selling at the location, while the majority of food stalls and caravans were closed. Those food stalls and caravans usually open later in the day.

The single parent mother of three told News Source that she has been vending at the location for 14 years, and in April 2025 she was among vendors, who were given permission by the City Council to vend temporarily within the vicinity.

“Last year April a few of us that was out here long vending, we were given permission to vend temporarily, and they say we must have removable structures. According to the notice, you must have removable structure, and at the end of every day you must have them removed, which I do follow,” Norton said.

Though Norton has not received formal notification, she said the Council’s decision comes as no surprise.

“I recognize myself that this place is getting out of hand in terms of the vending but they can make some kind of recommendation, something for the people who are here long and for them to continue removing at the end of the day, the people who are following the instructions, they can make some provision for them because it is not easy for a lot of us out here, because a lot of us out here we are single mothers, we are trying, and we do keep the place clean, as you can see. I maintain the place,” Norton said.

Another vendor told News Source that, she too was given permission to vend at the location by the City Council in 2025. However, she said if the Council has now taken a decision to clear to halt all vending in the vicinity, there is not much to be done but to move from the location.

Related posts:

Vendors still fear relocation concerns as Stabroek Square beautification progresses City Mayor admits better communication and consultation with Stabroek Square vendors should have been done Stabroek square vendors to move to new location on Saturday Vendors move out as City Council moves in to clean up Stabroek Square