Stabroek wharf vendors have been dealt with in a high-handed manner

Dear Editor,

Please permit me to inform and update citizens of the plight of vendors following the special meeting held by the city council on Monday, September  17, 2018 on the decision to relocate stall holders plying their trade at the Stabroek Market Wharf to a portion of reserve west of the Parliament Building.

The agenda is not a new one. The vendors’ issue, is indeed a troubling one since it was first mooted in 2016.

Vendors occupy a significant portion of the Stabroek Market Wharf where they have been plying their trade over many years. Now the Wharf is falling apart the Georgetown Council has finally woken up and has taken action, albeit in a most high-handed way.

What will be the fate of the hundreds who conduct daily business, own their own stalls, live on and below the Wharf or the small boats moored alongside, is anybody’s guess?

What are the implications at this time, when local government elections are due in a few weeks’ time, and why at this time?

Is this part of a strategic plan to create further mayhem, in the City? The confusion at the bus and hire car parks is already clearly evident to anyone who traverses regularly through the City.

The Stabroek Wharf vendors are the ‘legal tenants’ of this Council and must be treated with respect by City officials.

The Town Clerk, Royston King, in addressing the vendors at a meeting with them at City Hall has made it clear there is no retreat or reprieve by the Council. By his words and actions he has on more than one occasion taken on the authority of the Council.So, why now seek a discussion on the plight of the vendors: if it is not an exercise in futility, then pray what is it?

The decision has already been made, there is no option left, and the only thing left is to place the official stamp on the document. For the records let us examine, how the votes went, in retrospect? The pattern has already been established.

The revelation by the Town Clerk that he is not aware that there is a proposal to receive funds to the tune of $400 million dollars from donor agencies to facilitate the construction of a new facility on the waterfront, is untruthful and mischievous, to say the least.Come on, Sir, tell the people the truth, even though the truth may hurt. People are hurting any way, through the many misguided policies of a Council. The problem with vending was first highlighted by His Worship, Hamilton Green.

At the meeting with some sixty vendors organized by the Town Clerk  last Thursday, 13th September 2018 at City Hall, the vendors were given the option to sell their perishables and then find a place. Is this a realistic option?

In order to maintain order, King reminded those involved that he has the ‘Register’ which will be given priority. The silence was deafening, after this revelation. Is this how we do things in the City? Through intimidation and fear.

To bring a decision already made, to full Council, at the special meeting is not only an indictment of those who use ‘any means deemed necessary’, but also an insult to all others who believe in consultation with the people whose voices must be heard.

Why not begin to tell citizens, the truth, Mr King? A modern structure will be constructed and it is uncertain whether they would return.

Stop the masquerade at City Hall, for once.

Yours faithfully

Khame Sharma