Enforcement actions to be taken against unauthorised vending along city’s seawalls

The Sea and Defence Board of the Public Works Ministry has issued a stern warning that vending is prohibited in certain sections of the Georgetown Seawalls, and those who are guilty of such will be penalised.
Those sections include the foreshore between the Fort Groyne and Camp Road; the waterfront promenade between NCERD Road and the seawall tarmac; the waterfront promenade and ramp adjacent to the Seawall Bandstand, and the Seawall Bandstand and surrounding road.

“Authorized vending activities shall be restricted to allotted shops (vending units) within the Georgetown Seawall Waterfront Development south of the Seawall Bandstand,” the Ministry has informed.
All unauthorised persons currently vending within the restricted areas have been instructed to immediately desist from such activities, and remove all structures and belongings from the reserve and foreshore.
“Failure to comply with this directive will result in enforcement actions (being instituted) by the Sea Defence Board,” persons were warned.
Unauthorised vending activities have contributed to encumbrances, congestion, noise pollution, and extreme levels of littering in the Seawall Bandstand and adjacent areas. Certain vendors have demonstrated complete disregard for members of the public by blocking the Seawall Promenade and vandalising infrastructure and amenities installed by Government for public use, the Ministry is contending.
“Strict enforcement measures are therefore being taken as part of Government’s initiative to enhance and organise the recreational areas along the Georgetown Seawalls to achieve a safe and clean, family-friendly and tourism-focused environment.”
The Ministry has shared photos of the area, which show illegal electrical connections, vandalism, dumping of garbage, and disregard for vending policies, which it cautioned persons to desist from.
Earlier this week, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill shared that a Police outpost would become operational at the Kingston Seawall when he gave an update on the Beautification Project executed in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady.
Proper lighting and safety elements have been added in the area, along with refurbished surfaces, a fenced playpark for children, a restaurant area, and restored Seawall Bandstand.
With the area now significantly enhanced, the Public Works Minister spoke about cultivating a culture of leaving the environs in a clean state and without any garbage dumped.
“While we put in place facilities, I think we need to bring citizens along into creating that culture where [garbage] must not be left on the seawall, or thrown on the ground. We must be able to get them in the garbage containers and receptacles,” he was quoted as saying.