No plans to relocate Stabroek Market vendors – Manickchand assures

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, has dismissed claims that vendors at Stabroek Market will be relocated within the next three months, describing the reports as “misinformation.”

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the minister said it had come to her attention that members of the City Constabulary were allegedly informing vendors that they would soon be removed from the market.

She denied these claims, emphasizing that no such directive had been given.

“I have not asked the City Constabulary or anyone to spread any such information because that is simply not true,” the minister said. “There is no plan to move any vendors at this point, in three months or at all.”

The clarification comes amid growing concern among vendors operating at the historic market, many of whom rely on daily sales for their livelihoods.

Minister Manickchand acknowledged that while the market will eventually require major rehabilitation, including a full redesign, no decisions have been made regarding relocation.

She assured that when the time comes, all vendors will be fully consulted and included in the decision-making process.

“At some point the market will have to be redone. Before that happens, all vendors will be consulted and we will make those decisions together,” she stated.

In the meantime, the minister noted that ongoing works are limited to repairs of the market’s roof. She pointed out that vendors had already been informed and consulted prior to the commencement of these repairs.

Calling on vendors to remain calm, the minister urged them not to be misled by what she described as “mischief makers.”

“I ask that vendors reject mischief makers and don’t allow themselves to be used as tools in any narrow-minded, vendetta-driven campaign,” she said.