M&CC to remove illegal structures in East Ruimveldt Market, along Mandela Ave

– vendors given 24h notice to

relinquish city’s property

The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to another group of persons who have been breaching city rules and regulations.

According to a statement from City Hall on Thursday, persons who are illegally occupying public spaces on the western side of Mandela Avenue with makeshift structures, as well as the East Ruimveldt market vendors who have also constructed illegal structures are being ordered to remove their belongings from the city’s property.

“These persons have constructed shacks and stored items on these properties. The Council has noted that there are plans to utilise the facility and thus offered 24 hours for persons to remove their items and relinquish the city’s property. A 24-hour timeframe was also given to vendors to remove their illegal structures ahead of the Council’s visit to the location,” the release stated.

Town Clerk Royston King said, “The Council is concerned about vendors illegally increasing selling points, virtually repeating what is being restricted in the city centre.”

King said that several notices have been served on the vendors but they continue to illegally expand.

Notice was also given to persons squatting along Mandela Avenue.

City Hall is making it clear that all other illegal structures around the city are being eyed for removal, as its sanitation and management programmes continue.

The City Council reminded that the city was in a transitional phase and reiterated calls for the cooperation of all stakeholders.

“While the law is clear on what is and what is not permitted in and on public spaces, the Council is adamant about mechanisms to ease the transition process for vendors. Though this is not an obligation of the Council and requires separate financing, they have noted that the well-being of the city depends on the well-being of citizens.

“All Guyanese deserve to have a city equal to the best in world,” the Town Clerk stated.

King said the Council has an agenda to make Georgetown the “cleanest and greenest” city in the Caribbean, and this will be achieved, “regardless of the difficulties”.