The Mayor and Councillors of Georgetown have embarked on a quest to develop a Vending Policy, which will ensure coherent operations at the various marketplaces and influence the operation of vendors. This idea has been touted for almost two years.
Vending in Georgetown
In a statement, the municipality said that they will be gathering data on the views and opinions of vendors as the Council is seeking to ensure that all stakeholders are involved in consultations before the implementation stage. The information gathered will be used to compile the final draft of the policy.
“It is absolutely necessary at this juncture that the Council implement a policy to guide and control the vending activities along the city’s streets. Vending has become (a) means of earning a livelihood for many single parents who reside in Georgetown and other rural areas,” City Hall identified.
This policy seeks to provide a legal framework within which vendors can operate. It sets out to make vending a special component of urban development by allowing for zoning. Issues such as hygiene practices, disposal of waste and legitimate representation are some of the issues coined in the documents. It will consider every facet of vending, including seasonal, night, mobile and itinerant operations.
“The Council is encouraging vendors to cooperate with officers to gather information on the vendor’s views. The Council continues to seek to provide creative ways for vendors to ply their trade in the city. The Council has always sought to use creative and amicable ways to address the vending issue,” the statement added.
In 1976, the Council responded to needs of the vending population by constructing the Vendors’ Arcade. Again, in 1988, the Stabroek Bazaar was constructed. In order to bring relief to those seeking a venue to ply their trades, the municipal facility was constructed. In 1990, two sections of Merriman Mall were identified which allow vendors to operate. Most recently, in 2009, New Vendors’ Mall on Water Street was established.
The Georgetown municipality has been seeking to draft laws to govern the number of stalls a market vendor can own since August 2018.
After two years, the Town Council has brought up the idea again. (G12)
