Collective step towards a cleaner Stabroek Market

The Stabroek Market Square in Georgetown, long recognised as both a commercial hub and a cultural landmark, has historically reflected vibrancy. Yet, like many urban public spaces in Guyana, it has faced challenges in maintaining cleanliness and order, which affect not only the aesthetic appeal of the area but also the health and safety of vendors and visitors. In this context, the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry’s launch of the “Going Forward” initiative is a significant and welcome step in the evolution of civic responsibility and urban management.
Introduced on Monday evening, the initiative seeks to combine practical infrastructure with community engagement to cultivate a cleaner, more organised Stabroek Market Square. Central to the project is the strategic placement of garbage bins at 40-foot intervals across the market and adjacent streets, spanning Brickdam Street to the Head of Avenue of the Republic, along Lombard and Water Streets, and encompassing the perimeter of the Human Services and Social Security Ministry. By providing accessible and consistent points for waste disposal, the Ministry has removed one of the primary barriers to maintaining cleanliness, the lack of convenient receptacles.
Equally critical to the initiative is the approach to waste collection, as garbage will be collected twice daily, timed to coincide with peak market activity. This alignment ensures that refuse does not accumulate during the busiest hours, reducing unsightly litter and minimising health hazards. Such operational planning demonstrates a level of foresight and responsiveness often absent in previous urban maintenance strategies, highlighting the Ministry’s commitment to a sustainable solution rather than a short-term fix.
Perhaps the most notable aspect of the “Going Forward” initiative is the Ministry’s emphasis on partnership over punishment. Minister Priya Manickchand articulated that enforcement will not be the immediate focus; instead, the Government intends to engage vendors, market users, and passers-by in a collaborative effort to shift behavioural patterns. This strategy acknowledges a critical truth: infrastructure alone cannot change habits. Civic pride and responsibility flourish when communities are consulted, empowered, and treated as stakeholders in public space management. By fostering dialogue and inclusion, the Ministry signals a willingness to build trust and nurture a culture of cooperation, an approach that is likely to yield far more lasting results than punitive measures alone.
The initiative also emphasises the economic dimension of urban cleanliness. A well-maintained market does not merely enhance visual appeal; it creates conditions that allow vendors’ businesses to flourish. Minister Manickchand highlighted the Government’s commitment to supporting vendors’ livelihoods, emphasising that clean surroundings facilitate better sales, attract more customers, and ultimately contribute to personal and communal prosperity.
The public response to the initiative reflects cautious optimism and a recognition of shared responsibility. Vendors have expressed appreciation for being consulted and included in shaping the project, while officials such as Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr Josh Kanhai have underscored the importance of active participation by every market user, from parents guiding children to proper waste disposal to pedestrians and vendors ensuring that the space remains orderly. The emphasis on practical, everyday actions reinforces the understanding that cleanliness is not solely the Government’s responsibility; it is a collective endeavour.
Stabroek Market’s historical and cultural significance cannot be overstated. As a living symbol of Georgetown’s identity, it embodies the city’s history, diversity, and resilience. Protecting its environment and functionality is, therefore, a matter of national interest. The “Going Forward” initiative demonstrates a pragmatic approach, one that balances infrastructure development with human engagement, operational planning with behavioural incentives, and enforcement with encouragement.
What remains crucial is the sustained commitment of all stakeholders, including vendors and the public, to uphold and build upon this foundation. Success will depend on collective action, habitual responsibility, and a shared understanding that maintaining public spaces benefits every citizen.