Dear Editor,
In response to the comments/explanation offered by the clerks of the markets and reported in SN 28/01/07, regarding the “removal time” for vendors at the Stabroek Market, I would like to say that the explanation given is both contradictory and inconsistent.
First of all, I would like the clerk of the markets to inform the general public about the rules that he made mention of governing the “vending time” outside any of the municipal markets.
I have some question for the clerk of the markets:-
* Based on the rules mentioned, when can vending commence outside any market?
* Why is vending allowed to commence at 6 pm at the Bourda market?
* Why is vending allowed to commence after 2 pm on Wednesday at the Bourda mall?
* How is it that vending is allowed until about 2 pm on Sundays at the Albouystown market?
* Is it the cleaning of the market, the vending time or the protection of vendors inside the market that is the real issue?
* When does the cleaning commence, at the beginning of the day or at the end of the day?
For a number of years vending was done outside the Stabroek Market. It began when the authorities allotted stalls to vendors at the very area that was allotted to the farmers when they were vending inside the market, at the open area next to the toilet and west of the kitchen.
With the emphasis on and encouragement of agriculture, the number of vendors increased and the volume of produce also increased. But no consideration was given to farmers to sell their surplus to earn a decent living.
The time given is surely inadequate. Due to the state of robberies people have become afraid and do not venture out from their homes in the dark.
To confine vendors to the time given by the clerk of the markets means that he is making them nocturnal beings exposed to thieves and other elements of the night.
On the other hand, purchasers do not come out very early any more. The authorities have made the lives of farmers difficult and risky, the trucks from Berbice are only allowed to sell from 6 pm to 6 am.
These farmers have to sleep in the open night or in their vehicles to earn a living.
By confining them to the times he is forcing them to sell their produce at a “give-away price” or face seizures by the constables.
The fine ranges from $5,000 upwards when goods are seized. Is there any legal basis for this?
I cannot see any plausible reason for preventing these farmers selling their produce within a reasonable time.
They are paying ‘landing fees” to sell without enjoying any of the basic amenities i.e. wash-rooms, water, protection from the weather etc so it is a clear case of unfair treatment.
There is an easy solution; the vendors at Bourda can use the mall. Those at the Stabroek can utilize the vacant area at the N/E area in front of the said market.
Yours faithfully,
D. Dyal
