Vendors who sell along the Diamond/Golden Grove Public Road are against a move by the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) to relocate them.
The vendors, some of whom have been selling in the area for more than five years, have been given up to Friday by the NDC to relocate to the Golden Grove New Market tarmac, located to the right of the Diamond main road, in the Grove housing scheme. They are expected to settle at the new location by March 11.
Most vendors, who are still selling along the roadside, told Stabroek News yesterday that they refuse to move and the NDC will have to continue “breaking down” stalls. Vendors also informed that most of them have not yet acquired a “spot” in the new market, since persons who have not been vending along the road were given first preference.
One vendor noted that the tarmac is intended to be used for the market between 6 am and 6 pm and then as a playing area for neighbourhood children.
As a result, many of them were wondering if the children will be occupying the playground after dark. “We have to pack up everything and leave at 6 o’clock to make room for the children but is more like we making room for the cows because is only cows does go and play there,” the woman exclaimed. This was another concern of vendors, who fear that they would have to clean up after the animals when preparing for a fresh day’s work.
Another vendor, Toolsie Doodnauth expressed concern at the distance between the public road and the new market.
He described the new location as out of bounds and said it would be difficult for their usual customers—those coming off at the bus stop—to pay two car fares to get to them. “We cater for people out here and those in Grove. The people from the scheme buy their goods from Georgetown,” Doodnauth explained.
He also told Stabroek News of the expense to transport goods in and out of the scheme and he said that this may cause a rise in the price of goods sold.
Bibi Hamid, another vendor, said: “We gotta turn camel and put everything on we back to fetch in day and night.”
This newspaper was also told by a concerned vendor, Mohini, that they have not yet occupied the new market but have already paid a fee of $1,400.
She said that they are required to pay a daily fee of $200 for a stall of 8 feet by 6 feet, which most vendors believe is too small.
Vendors also said that with the temporary stalls, which will be at their own expense, they would be unable to build a shelter.
With a tarpaulin in place, they noted, water will seep down during rainfall and cause damage to their neighbour’s goods.
