Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine has come out in defence of vendors outside the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), who are being faced with removal orders by the Public Works Ministry.
Mayor Narine said that he was only made aware of the notice after it was published by the Public Works, calling on vendors to vacate and remove their stalls on New Market Street between Thomas and East Street.
The Mayor said that no decision was taken by the Council to have the vendors removed.
“I have also enquired from the Council on its decision if any on the matter and am advised that this notice was never tabled at the Council nor has there been any engagement by the Ministry with the Council. As stated previously, and in accordance with the Municipal laws which designate Municipal roads, I have advised the Council to initiate legal proceedings against this notice,” Narine said.
He added, “This action cannot be seen as anything other than a deliberate economic strategy aimed at preventing poor people from earning a decent living further pushing them into poverty.”
Additionally, he said that the action “flies in the face of the authority of the Municipality”.
“In this difficult economic environment, unless we work together we cannot achieve a One Guyana where the vulnerable in our society are protected and empowered to participate meaningfully in a legitimate business,” the Mayor concluded.
They can earn a living, but should not make the place look like it is in mudda africa.
Guyana needs to improve its image.