By Saskia Warrick
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall criticized the Mayor & City Council (M&CC) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for failing to uphold their statutory duties, leading to the proliferation of illegal vending in the capital city.
His remarks were made during his weekly programme, ‘Issues in the News.’
Nandlall highlighted the recent removal of vendors across the city, emphasizing that building permanent structures and vending illegally, which obstruct roadways and premises, constitute criminal offenses.
He pointed out that this culture of illegal vending has persisted for decades, with the M&CC often only taking action when threatened with a court order, instead of consistently executing their statutory responsibilities.
Similarly, he criticized the GPF for its failure to maintain law and order effectively.
The Attorney General lamented that the inaction from both authorities has resulted in a chaotic situation characterized by unhygienic surroundings, among other issues.
He noted that several business owners have resorted to seeking legal recourse due to the lack of enforcement by the M&CC and the GPF.
Nandlall also addressed claims about the government being racially biased, emphasizing that ethnicity would not shield anyone from the law.
He asserted the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law impartially.
Recent court orders obtained by major companies like Banks DIH Limited, Shamdas Kirpalani, and Muneshwers Limited to remove vendors further underscored the lack of government intervention in addressing the issue.
The Attorney General called for sustained action to address the problem of illegal vending and emphasized that disorderly behavior would not be tolerated.