The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development on Monday evening hosted a community-centered ‘Going Forward’ engagement at the Stabroek Market Square as part of its continued efforts to uplift the environment and strengthen relations with vendors who depend on the market space daily.

The initiative provided a platform for open dialogue between the Ministry and vendors, focusing on improving cleanliness, waste management, and shared pride in the Stabroek Market surroundings.

Minister Manickchand emphasized that Stabroek Market is not only a commercial hub, but a living symbol of the nation’s culture, history, and resilience. The vendors who earn their livelihood are a main part of the city, and their cooperation is central to sustaining a thriving and environmentally healthy market environment.

As part of this renewed effort, the Ministry is placing garbage bins around the Stabroek Market Square at intervals of forty feet. The installation of bins stretches from Brickdam Street starting at the Head of Avenue of the Republic down to Stabroek Stelling, continues along Lombard Street in the vicinity of the market, extends along Water Street from Stabroek Market up to America Street, and runs alongside the perimeter of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

These bins are intended to provide consistent and convenient waste disposal points, reducing littering and ensuring that waste is contained rather than scattered throughout the market space.

To maintain a clean environment, collection will take place twice daily, between 1:00PM and 3:00PM, and again between 4:00AM and 6:00AM. These targeted collection windows are designed to align with market hours and waste buildup patterns, ensuring that the surroundings remain clean and accessible for vendors, customers, and passersby.

Speaking to the vendors gathered, Minister Manickchand expressed confidence in their role as partners in preserving the space.

The Minister made it clear that the Ministry’s approach is one rooted in partnership rather than punishment at this stage.

She shared, “At this point, we will not bring enforcements. We will talk to our brothers and sisters, to the people using this square, we will talk to the passengers. We’re going to work with each other and work on each other to change out the bad habits we have come to know; the bad habits of littering.”

This sentiment reflects a national call for civic responsibility supported by enabling infrastructure. The Minister highlighted that the government sees value in supporting vendors, not only by keeping their workplaces clean, but by fostering conditions that allow their businesses to grow and flourish.

She said, “Let us go first and show this country how we can cooperate once we have the facilities to keep Guyana clean. I promise you that in me you have a friend, and in the government you have a government, a President, and a Cabinet who want to see you thrive. We want to see your business do well. We want to see you make sales, build your house, buy assets. We want to see you do well, and we want to create an environment where your businesses can thrive. And this is a beginning.”

The evening also served as a reminder that change is most effective when built collectively. Vendors expressed appreciation for the opportunity to be consulted and included in shaping improvements to their work environment. The atmosphere was one of collaboration, shared purpose, and optimism about the continued revitalization of Georgetown’s iconic public spaces.

The engagement was led by the Honourable Priya Manickchand, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, and was attended by the Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administration), Dr. Josh Kanhai, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Miguel Choo-Kang, the Mayor of Georgetown, Mr. Alfred Mentor, councillors, technical officers, and staff from the Ministry.

The Ministry encourages all vendors and market users to utilize the bins provided, observe proper waste disposal practices, and continue to work together as this effort unfolds. The Stabroek Market Square, like the city itself, reflects the habits and pride of its people. Maintaining it as a clean and vibrant space is a shared responsibility; one that benefits livelihoods, strengthens community wellness, and enhances the national image of Georgetown.

(Press Release from the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development)