Vendors are continuing to speak out against the size of new stalls at the Merriman Mall, which they say have forced them to scale back their businesses as they endure cramped conditions.
City Hall has constructed several narrow stalls along the strip, between Orange Walk and Cummings Street, which the vendors have begun referring to as “horse stables.”
During a recent visit by Stabroek News, they complained bitterly about having to operate in cramped spaces, which they said also prevent them from properly displaying their produce to attract customers. Vendors also complained about having to move their produce twice a week to temporary stalls.
As a result, many called for City Hall to reconsider the arrangements, although some also said they were happy with the new system.
Each vendor was initially required to pay $1,500 per day to use a stall but after voicing their disapproval they met with the authorities and the fee was reduced to a $1,000 per day. The vendors were told that within the next three to four weeks they would receive electricity to their stalls.
Vendors said they can work with the new fee since they were promised electricity and that the rates would not be increased but they were unanimous in highlighting the need for bigger stalls to sell their produce.
Chatterpaul Bharrat, a large scale farmer and vendor, said it is difficult to sell in a small space. He is an exception among the vendors as he currently has two stalls along the strip but he noted that this is only because he is known for conducting business on a large scale before the new system was implemented.
Stabroek News observed that a large quantity of watermelons that Bharrat was hoping to sell was left stored inside a small truck. Bharrat said he would normally have larger trucks with produce but because of the limited space and no permanent stall, he has to reduce the amount of produce he would normally bring to the market.
“I would prefer a larger space that would be able to take all the produce… right now, I have to rent a spot to store the produce,” he lamented.
He pointed out that the establishment of a skating rink along the Merriman Mall was uncalled for in a commercial spot. He noted that the spot should have been used for additional stalls, which would have benefitted the vendors and generate greater revenue.
Another vendor, Melissa Roberts, told Stabroek News that they are being burdened with additional expenses since they have to move twice a week to temporary stalls. Roberts lamented that she would often have to pay persons to assist her to move to the different locations. She explained that as a fruit vendor she would often deal with food that is perishable and every time she has to move it would contribute to the fruits becoming more perishable.
Roberts also complained that she has to store the fruits below her stand because of limited space in the stall where she operates. Stabroek News observed that, a number of bags and baskets were placed under the stands. Roberts also had limited space to move around with the stall.
While she is willing to pay for a second stall, she said she was told that she can only have one stall. “I am not comfortable with this arrangement. The shed is nice and the fee is reduced but I am not comfortable. I have a small space… look how much things I get under the stands… this is like you have to pay four day stall fee for one set of goods, it was never like this,” she said.
Roberts also said shoppers only have access to the strip from the Orange Walk entrance and she questioned why the Cummings Street entrance is closed to them.
Another vendor, who gave her name as Nanda, also echoed the calls for larger stalls. Stabroek News observed that Nanda was confined in her stall when her produce was on display.
Additionally, long-time vendor Austin (only name given) said that for all the years he has been vending at the Merriman Mall, he never had to move to temporary spots. He said that the arrangements coming from the Town Clerk Royston King and the market administration are outrageous. “We never had anything like this instead they moving forward them moving backwards,” he said.
One vendor, who asked not to be named, said the new arrangement is not working, while pointing out that she previously had a stretch where she would sell but now her “stall looks like a new vendor who is struggling to survive in the market business.”
However, Geeta Singh and Debbie Weeks said they are pleased with the new accommodation and fee.
