At the recent Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IAAD) forum the stories of the vendors took centre stage. The forum was held specifically to address the vendors’ issues and expose the nation to the conditions under which this entrepreneurial class eke out a living, the challenges they face, including access to financing, and from big businesses and some members of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council. Approximately 250 vendors attended the meeting, at the Critchlow Labour College on Sunday, April 16.
Vendors are vital contributors to society
Member of Parliament and Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde delivered the feature address. He told vendors they are society’s contributors, not nuisance, yet they continue to live in fear of Central Government overriding the local government authorities that are responsible for vending.
Recounting the conditions under which vendors ply their trade, the member of parliament addressed central government disregarding the function of local government authorities.
Forde pointed out that even as Central Government seeks to undermine the democratic order of society, they have no plan and programme in place, including access to economic resources for vendors to own businesses, simply content to say the vendors must go!
Vendors are a vital part of society, they are the entry level for commerce and self-sufficiency, said the member of parliament. He assured the vendors he is standing in solidarity with them because their “issue is a struggle about justice, humanity, equality.”
Challenges vendors face
The vendors’ stories were articulated by Eon Andrews, leader of the Vendors and Minibus Association, who said the vendors are “punishing like hell.” Reminding them that as a group they are a “a very powerful people,” he called in the vending community to stick together.
Andrews outlined the challenged the vendors face, including the condition under which some ply their trade, access to basic services like proper washroom. He spoke of the influence of big businesses seeking to push the vendors out from the areas and at time with the support of some members on the council.
Andrews called on vendors to stick together regardless of their race, because in unity they can stand against the forces that would hinder them from plying their trade and doing so under proper conditions.
Proposals to counter the challenges
Member of Parliament Ricky Ramsaroop, used his presentation to outline the challenges vendors face, running the gamut of harassment from the police, access to financial resources, training and considered a formal part of the economy. Speaking to a very engaged and interactive crowd, Ramsaroop told the vendors they play a very important role in the economy and should assert their place in society. He made a series of proposals to achieve this some of which include:
- The need to create more formal opportunities for vendors to access financial resources and training programs, which could include initiatives such as microfinance programs, business training workshops, and mentoring programs.
- Work towards legal recognition for vendors which could involve simplifying the licensing process, reducing fees, and creating a more streamlined regulatory framework.
- The 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.
Unite in pursuit of upliftment
Trade unionist Lincoln Lewis, who brought the welcome message, told them “what we are doing here, and what is being encouraged here, is nothing that wasn’t done before.” The trade unionist told the audience no part of the world has anybody achieved anything without a fight or struggle, however that fight or struggle was defined. “Look at India, South Africa, America, the colonies, there was resistance to bring about betterment for all the people,’ he charged.
In apparent response to those who may seek to thwart the vendors’ efforts at upliftment, Lewis asserted “if the struggles of Cuffy, Accra, Quamina, Kowsilla and the Enmore Martyrs can be enshrined in our national history with pride, which we honour and celebrate, why must others see our peaceful protest, our voices raised in just demand and demonstration as unworthy?”
Why must we accept it, charged the unionist as he urged vendors to unite to pursue the upliftment in their standard of living.
Georgetown Mayor Pandit Ubraj Narine recounted the struggles of the vendors, tracing the challenges he faced at the Council level with Central Government to create better opportunities for them to earn a living. Narine also recounted the role he played in repelling Central Government from moving the vendors off the streets, one of which included placing his body under a vehicle to prevent the removal of the vendors’ stall.
Last December when the Ministry of Public Works attempted to remove the vendors’ stall using heavy duty vehicles, the mayor placed himself under one of the crane to prevent the destruction of the stalls.
Narine encouraged vendors to unite in their common interest, to not allow themselves to be lured in complacency and Central Government taking advantage of them.
The mayor peppered his speech with reassurances to the vendors that whilst he is not returning to the Council he will continue to be at their side and supportive of what their economic efforts. The mayor is not contesting the June 12, 2023 Local Government Elections.
IAAD Objectives
IAAD Secretary Lelon Saul, who chaired the event, reminded the organisation’s objectives are: “To promote and advocate for human rights and fundamental freedom for all; fight discrimination against race, religion, class, colour, sex, and language; sensitise the nation’s citizens as to their constitutional rights; bring about a complete understanding of the relationship between the Guyana Constitution and the United Nations statutes.”
He told the audience the organisation’s success will be achieved by working individually and with groups toward the realisation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
Saul said “over the past two years and eight months, we have witnessed the discriminatory practices and policies of the government. Those who governed have persistently demonstrated scant regard for human rights and rule of law.”
Sustainable Development
Dr. Simpson DaSilva, another presenter urged the vendors to look at how they could develop their trade utilising Sustainable Development techniques. He pointed out various elements of the SDG that need to be embraced.
He noted the vendors need help and highlighted self-help activities the vendors even as they call on Central Government to provide requisite support to achieving the SDG. He further posited vendors could collaborate in keeping their surrounding clean and orderly, among other recommendations. He also offered to provide some training to the vendors on small business development.
Impromptu remarks were also made by former Prime Minister and former mayor Hamilton Green, and Member of Parliament Tabitha Sarabo Halley.
