M&CC accused of putting horse-cart operators on breadline

The Georgetown City Council (M&CC) took a recent decision have horse-cart operators removed from plying their trades in the vicinity of various business districts along Georgetown, and many operators have voiced their concerns and disapproval with the council’s decision, noting that it would deeply affect their livelihoods.

Several horse-cart operators invited this publication to visit them in Lombard Street and also at Alexander Street, Georgetown.
The operators noted that that they are worried about the consequences of the decision by City Council.
Many expressed that when the decision is implemented, they would be rendered jobless, and as such, unable to provide basic necessities for their families. They say it is unfortunate that City Hall made a decision to put them on the breadline without any visit or consultation.
Neil (only name given) was one of the men from the gathering of affected persons. He noted that he has been operating within the vicinity for the past 28 years, and it is the only skill he knows and can utilise to assist his children.
“I don’t have no other qualification. Majority of the cart-man that you see operating a cart they don’t have a qualification, and this is the only thing that we can do. If the council have to move the cart-men them, they going to take away my earning, and that will affect my family and me.”
Others shared the same sentiments, noting that they are not educated or qualified to gain employment.
While emphasising on the high unemployment rate, which Guyana has been faced with in recent times, many indicated that this M&CC decision would result in many persons resorting to crime and violence to survive.
“With that they doing, everybody gon want thief and so, because they taking away your living and then they don’t have jobs to give you,” many have said.
Meanwhile, the operators note that they are registered by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to operate their carts, which costs more than what is being paid for a motorcar licence. Additionally, it was revealed that the cost for equipment for a cart is expensive.
“When the constables come to move me, I will stand up for my right, cause a license for the cart alone is $10,000. We is registered cart owners and they can’t be doing this! We register at GRA. This cart don’t come on the road just like that.”
With this move implemented by the council, dozens of individuals would be left without a job, since they will be restricted from functioning in the city — a place where they earn their daily income.
Recently, the Town Council expressed an interest in having the carts removed from operating in Georgetown, since it painted a picture of the city as an unpleasant place. In response, the operators stated that they are under the impression that their livelihoods were not considered when this decision was taken.
While the carts that linger in the vicinity of the Nurses Association on Alexander Street will be the first to be removed, other locations will follow in the coming weeks. The first removal will be implemented as early as next week.