Press Release
AFC CONDEMNS HARASSMENT AND BULLYING OF VENDORS
The Alliance For Change (AFC) condemns in the strongest possible terms the aggressive and bullying tactics of the PPP government in its attempt to remove the vendors from New Market Street. The government has no authority in its current campaign to remove these vendors without due process.
This hostile and destructive action against the vendors is inhumane, uncaring and designed to further divide Guyana’s people.
The AFC also notes with alarm the blatant discrimination and racial application in the government’s action towards vendors in the city in contrast to its action at Mon Repos, which were earlier destroyed, and are being re-constructed in the new market. Clearly, ‘One Guyana’ applies only to the chosen.
In a statement today, the AFC stated that New Market Street was never declared a public road. Hence, through the Ministry of Public Works, the central government has no legal authority over this street. Based on the present arrangement, such power rests with the Mayor and City Council. Therefore, any action to remove vendors from New Market Street without the expressed authority of the City Council is ultra vires.
We also view the recent action by the Ministry of Public Works to remove vendors’ caravans from selected sections of the city as another attempt to usurp the authority of and emasculate the Georgetown City Council.
Street vending is a part of who we are as Caribbean people. It is part of our post-Emancipation and indentureship identity and can be found on the streets of every Caribbean nation. Hence, we consider these tactics as most abominable and devoid of humanity in light of the current economic struggles of the people. Nevertheless, this kind of vending is most welcomed, especially as we enter the Christmas season.
We continue to caution the government against these acts of flagrant discrimination, which will lead to disaffection, unnecessary tension and strife.
The AFC urges the government to immediately meet with the City Council and the vendors to find an acceptable resolution.
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