Vendors provide goods and services that are essential to many people in our communities. However, despite their importance, many vendors in Guyana face significant challenges that prevent them from reaching their full potential.
One of the main challenges that vendors face is a lack of access to resources. Many vendors operate in an informal market and do not have access to financial resources or formal training programmes that could help them grow their businesses. As a result, the struggle to compete with larger businesses will result in earning very low incomes.
Another challenge that vendors face is a lack of legal recognition. Many vendors operate without proper licenses or permits, which puts them at risk of being fined or having your goods seized if this is the case. This lack of legal recognition also means that vendors are excluded from many government programmes that could help you improve your businesses.
Furthermore, vendors often face harassment and mistreatment from the police and other authorities. They are frequently subjected to arbitrary fines, harassment, and even physical abuse. This kind of treatment is unacceptable and needs to stop.
Discrimination against Vendors:
- Let’s take look on the East Coast of Demerara specifically at Mon-repos they are two issues I would like to highlight:-
(a) The treatment of vendors in Mon-repos by the current government as for those in Golden Grove or Plaisance. When the Mon-Repos vendors were attacked by the protestors they called out the government that they will not support them, or Vote for them, immediately they rushed and give financial supports, huge financial support, who didn’t deserve to get, get but the Government didn’t care because they have to secure their votes.
Other vendors who were there knew of what was happening and who didn’t deserve to get financial support, received. We have seen videos where some of them even broke up their own stands and tried to light it on fire, those clips were circulating on social media.
(b) A brand-new market complex is being built in Mon-repos, but none for Plaisance. Friends, this is the country we are living in where one fraction of people can benefit more than the others, or I would say discriminated against.
- Roadside vending:
Several communities across the coast people are vending on the roadside because things are getting tight. People are now doing two and three jobs. I remember when the APNU/AFC were in government people used to say plantain chips and dog food- government. I want you to drive along the East Coast and other parts of the country and see the amount of food stands not only for dogs but for people too….and you will be shocked to see the mixes of the race who owned these stands. As I said, things are tight.
So, what can we do to support you vendors in Guyana?
Firstly, we need to create more formal opportunities for vendors to access financial resources and training programs. This could include initiatives such as microfinance programs, business training workshops, and mentoring programs.
Secondly, we need to work towards legal recognition for vendors. This could involve simplifying the licensing process, reducing fees, and creating a more streamlined regulatory framework.
Lastly, we need to ensure that vendors are treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve. This means putting an end to harassment and abuse by authorities and creating a more supportive environment for vendors to operate in.
In conclusion, vendors play a vital role in our economy, and we need to do more to support them. By creating more formal opportunities for vendors, working towards legal recognition, and ensuring that they are treated with respect, we can help vendors in Guyana to thrive and contribute to our communities.
