Bins every 40 ft for Stabroek Market as plan begins to curb litter habits

The Local Government and Regional Development Ministry on Monday evening launched its community-focused “Going Forward” initiative at the Stabroek Market Square, introducing a cleaner, more organised environment through the strategic placement of garbage bins at 40-foot intervals across the busy commercial area.
To maintain a clean environment, garbage collection will take place twice daily, between 13:00h and 15:00h, and again between 16:00h and 18:00h. These targeted collection windows are designed to align with market hours and waste build-up patterns, ensuring that the surroundings remain clean and accessible for vendors, customers, and passers-by. The Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Priya Manickchand, emphasised that the Ministry’s approach is one rooted in partnership rather than punishment at this stage. She stated that at this point, enforcement will not be the immediate focus. Instead, the Ministry will engage with citizens to promote behavioural change and civic responsibility.

“At this point, we will not bring enforcements. We will talk to our brothers and sisters, to the people using this square, we will talk to the passengers. We’re going to work with each other and work on each other to change the bad habits we have come to know – the bad habits of littering,” she said. This sentiment reflects a national call for civic responsibility, supported by enabling infrastructure. The Minister highlighted that the Government sees value in supporting vendors – not only by keeping their workplaces clean, but also by fostering conditions that allow their businesses to grow and flourish. “Let us go first and show this country how we can cooperate once we have the facilities to keep Guyana clean. I promise you that in me, you have a friend – and in the Government, you have a Government, a President, and a Cabinet who want to see you thrive. We want to see your business do well. We want to see you make sales, build your house, buy assets. We want to see you do well, and we want to create an environment where your businesses can thrive. And this is a beginning,” she expressed. The evening also served as a reminder that change is most effective when built collectively. Vendors expressed appreciation for the opportunity to be consulted and included in shaping improvements to their work environment. The atmosphere was one of collaboration, shared purpose, and optimism about the continued revitalisation of Georgetown’s iconic public spaces. The Ministry encourages all vendors and market users to utilise the bins provided, observe proper waste disposal practices, and continue to work together as this effort unfolds. The Stabroek Market Square, like the city itself, reflects the habits and pride of its people. Maintaining it as a clean and vibrant space is a shared responsibility, one that benefits livelihoods, strengthens community wellness, and enhances the national image of Georgetown.
Monday’s community-centred engagement was led by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand. She underscored that Stabroek Market is not only a commercial hub but also a living symbol of the nation’s culture, history, and resilience. The vendors who earn their livelihood there are a vital part of the city, and their cooperation is essential to sustaining a thriving and environmentally healthy market environment. As part of this renewed effort, the Ministry is placing garbage bins around the Stabroek Market Square at intervals of forty feet.
The installation of bins stretches from Brickdam Street, starting at the Head of Avenue of the Republic, down to Stabroek Stelling; continues along Lombard Street in the vicinity of the market; extends along Water Street from Stabroek Market up to America Street; and runs alongside the perimeter of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security. These bins are intended to provide consistent and convenient waste disposal points, reducing littering and ensuring that waste is properly contained rather than scattered throughout the market space. Giving his response to the initiative, Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr Josh Kanhai described it as a “power move” by the Ministry. “It’s basically a power move. There is nothing better that could be done – it’s a common-sense move, and it’s something that the Ministry of Local Government has thought through. With this move, I expect everyone in the Stabroek area – whether vendors, pedestrians, or passengers – to play their part.” He added, “If you’re holding your child’s hand and he has an ice cream bag or a snow cone cup, encourage him to throw it in the bin. He might not be able to reach that big bin, so set the example as a parent – pick it up and throw it in for him,” Dr Kanhai urged. Speaking to the vendors gathered, several expressed that they, along with others, need to play their part as partners in preserving the space. The engagement was attended by the Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administration), Dr Josh Kanhai; the Permanent Secretary, Miguel Choo-Kang; the Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentor; councillors; technical officers; and staff from the Ministry.