The Mayor and City Council has identified a space on Hadfield Street to relocate vendors who are plying their trade at the Square of the Revolution, as the deadline for their removal draws close.

Last week, the Georgetown City Council unanimously decided to issue Removal Notices to the vendors who are operating at the Square of the Revolution, which is home to the 1763 Berbice Slave Rebellion monument.

The vendors were given 14 days to move from the location, but many of them have expressed their unhappiness over the decision.

Today, the Mayor and some city Councillors met with the vendors to examine a way forward.

Mayor Alfred Mentore said while the law does not mandate the Council to find vending spots for everyone, the Council believes that it should find alternatives for persons who have been plying their trade there for years.

He said the Council has identified a plot of land, opposite the St. Sidwell’s primary school on Hadfield Street which will be developed for the vendors.

Mentor said persons will be allowed to move in their caravans into the area, and those without caravans will be allotted spaces.

“We will look at that particular alternative so that everybody can have a chance and a chance to survive because we believe this is important like any other business like in the corporate sector, clothes or food business, vending has its role in society and in Guyana’s economy and vending will continue to play its part,” Mr. Mentor stated.

Mr. Mentore said even as that location develops, the Council will still look at another permanent arrangement for the vendors.

Deputy Mayor, Denise Miller, said while she understands the decision may cause some discomfort to the vendors, the City Council will continue to work with them to ensure the best possible solution.

“And I want to say very clearly, we have your interest at heart, we might not agree on everything but this council has your interest at heart, but I will also say that us as Guyanese must understand the historical aspect of the monument and its environs. Cuffy is a national hero and it is sad that when people come, they can’t get to take pictures and as a council we have had many complaints but we try to deal with it and we also try to understand people and their bread-and-butter issues,” the Deputy Mayor stated.

The Deputy Mayor said the monument and its environs must remain a pristine and sacred area.

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