CH&PA cracks down on illegal Chinese supermarket

…issues  2nd cease order after defiance

The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), through its Enforcement Department, has issued two cease and desist orders to the operator of an illegal supermarket on Middle Street in Georgetown.
According to the CH&PA, the entity, located at 92 Middle Street, is operating without the necessary approvals in violation of the Town and Country Planning Act, Cap. 20:01, Laws of Guyana. The supermarket is operated by Chinese nationals.
On Friday, officers from the Enforcement Department visited the establishment and served an order, instructing the operator to immediately cease the illegal operation.

However, when officers returned to the location on Saturday, the establishment was found open and conducting business as usual. As a result of the continued non-compliance, a second cease and desist order was served yesterday by members of the Enforcement Department.
The authority noted that more than two months ago, when construction activity was observed at the building, the agency made adequate enquiries with both the owner of the property and the tenants.
Despite those efforts, however, no information regarding the intended use of the building was provided to the CH&PA, an agency within the Ministry of Housing.
Nevertheless, the authority said it will continue to monitor the situation and will take further legal action on Monday should the operator fail to comply with the directives issued.

“CH&PA wishes to remind property owners and businesses that all commercial operations must receive the necessary approvals in keeping with the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act,” the authority noted.
This move comes after the CH&PA had to take decisive enforcement action to stop unauthorised construction works for an unlawful bridge that provided access from property 1211 EE Eccles to the Haags Bosch Four-Lane Highway earlier this month.
CH&PA had said that the owner had previously been issued a contravention notice and cautioned to desist from the unlawful construction but failed to comply. It added that permission was sought by the owner to operate a Chinese restaurant, but this was not granted.
CH&PA had also previously had to take enforcement actions for a proposed supermarket on Brickdam Street and Brummel Place, Georgetown.
In a September 2025 statement, the CH&PA said an inspection conducted by its Enforcement and Compliance Department confirmed that construction commenced without seeking approval from the relevant regulatory agencies. In fact, it was noted that no planning permission was ever issued for the development, nor is there any application pending before the authority.
The proprietor of that building was formally served with a Notice of Contravention in accordance with the Town and Country Planning Act, Cap. 20:01, ordering the immediate cessation of all unauthorised works.
At the time CH&PA had firmly reminded businesses, developers, and property owners that the authority is the first point of engagement for all construction and commercial development permits. It further emphasised adherence to zoning laws and planning regulations is not only mandatory but critical to safeguarding orderly and sustainable development.