The Beautification Project at the Stabroek Market Square is progressing, but vendors are still uneasy about what the project means for them.

The project entails the erection of a Christmas Tree at the center of the market square and an elevated platform with seating accommodation for commuters, and designated spots for vendors and local creatives.

When News Source visited the location, construction workers were compacting the area, which had been closed off to commuters and vendors. The contractor on site, declined to comment on the project and its progress.

In wake of the construction, vendors are continuing their trade but on the outskirts of the construction walls.

Kevon Massiah, who has been selling coconut water at the Stabroek Market Square since 2013, said though the Local Government Minister has assured him of a vending booth when the project is completed, he is waiting to see the outcome.

“Really and truly, till when it happens I can believe her because anybody could say anything but I am still waiting patiently,” Massiah told News Source.

Massiah grew up selling fruits with his mother on the market until he branched out in 2013.

He said until the project is completed he will continue to sell along the construction walls.

“I got to hustle. I can’t stop hustle. Because I already invested alot and I have to pay bills. I get bills to pay. I just can’t sit down,” Massiah said. 

Tracey Accra, another vendor who sells mobile credits and MMG, told News Source that she is not opposed to the beautification of the city but she will not rest until she is allocated a spot or a booth when the project is completed. 

“I am not against the beautification of the town. That’s actually good, I like that but again it is not what you do is how you do it – there were no clarifications, when they started this project but as to what they are doing right now, once I could get to vend and the other vendors that were in here, once we get to sell, that’s all my concern,” Accra said.

She has been vending at the location for about 10 years. 

Debra Gordon told News Source she has been vending at the Square for the past 20 years, however, she has been operating at the Stabroek Market since 1985. 

She too lauded the project but expressed concern about the approach.

“That is good but putting the vendors out and not say anything, that’s very bad. I like the beautification but I would like to know if we are going back in there or they are putting other people in there but it would be very unfair because I don’t like this road way and I don’t like the tugging and pulling. Put us one specific spot so you don’t have to come and tell us we have to go here and we have to go there,” Gordon said. 

She told News Source she is not opposed to paying rent for a booth but stressed it must be reasonable and the terms must be clear.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand has repeatedly said that the vendors will not be removed, at least not now.

However, she said the Government as part of its beautification campaign will be bringing structure to public spaces including markets. 

City Mayor Alfred Mentore, who has endorsed the programme, in an interview on GoMoseley Radio, said Development comes at a come, and in an oil rich country such as Guyana, there requires a change in the way things are done.

He, however, admitted that both the City Council and the Local Government Ministry ought to have communicated better with vendors on the implementation of the project. 

Related posts:

City Mayor admits better communication and consultation with Stabroek Square vendors should have been done Manickhand assures of no displacement of Stabroek Square vendors at this time Vendors decry being blocked out as Stabroek Market square beautification project begins City Council clears Stabroek market square but relocation spot still not ready for vendors