Schools, PTAs raise concerns over Woolford Avenue vendors

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand on Tuesday met with head teachers, school board chairpersons, and heads of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) as consultations continue on the future of vending along Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.
The meeting, which was also attended by Permanent Secretary Miguel Choo-Kang and senior Ministry of Education officials led by Principal Education Officer Immanuel Bridgewater, followed Monday’s engagement between the minister and vendors operating along the corridor.
The consultations are aimed at developing an arrangement that balances the interests of roadside vendors, school canteens, students, and parents following infrastructure upgrades along Woolford Avenue.
During Tuesday’s meeting, school administrators and canteen operators were given an opportunity to raise their concerns and provide recommendations before any final arrangements are made.
The discussions also highlighted concerns from school officials about some roadside vending operations, including reports of unlawful and disrespectful behaviour which they said could negatively affect children.
Manickchand said these concerns, along with issues previously raised by vendors, will be considered as the Government works towards a new system for vending along the upgraded corridor.
She stressed that any new arrangement must be structured, with clear standards governing the operation of vendors, particularly because of their proximity to schools and children.
The issue of vending along Woolford Avenue arose following the first phase of infrastructure upgrades, which included an expanded roadway and improved drainage. Vendors who were removed during the works had raised concerns about the impact on their livelihoods.
At Monday’s meeting, Manickchand told vendors that their removal was not the objective of the infrastructure project and that the Ministry was seeking to reorganise vending to accommodate persons who depend on the activity for their income, while preserving the improvements made to the area.
Discussions at that meeting included the possibility of introducing more organised and standardised vending structures and addressing the relationship between roadside vendors and canteens at nearby schools.
The Ministry said the ongoing consultations are intended to inform an arrangement that addresses the interests of all affected parties while maintaining safety and order along Woolford Avenue.
No final decision on the new vending arrangements was announced following Tuesday’s meeting.