Emphasizing the national importance of vendors’ livelihoods, Dr. Terrence Campbell, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Lead for the 13th Parliament, asserts that the Government of Guyana, alongside the Mayor & City Councils and Neighborhood Democratic Councils, must develop comprehensive plans to facilitate roadside necessity entrepreneurs.
In an interview with Village Voice News, Dr. Campbell explained, “While many citizens oppose vendors, my visits to various villages revealed the plight of the unemployed and their entrepreneurial drive. Understanding the lack of job creation for youth, I fully appreciate the vital role of necessity entrepreneurs, our vendors
Dr. Campbell further noted the government’s crucial role in creating accessible infrastructure to ensure healthy, safe, and sustainable vending environments. He emphasized that while the government frequently discusses tourism and CARICOM business collaborations, “they have failed to examine the markets and vending spaces created in their CARICOM counterparts’ tourism sectors, spaces that empower citizens through vending, alleviate poverty, and attract new visitors to these locations.”
Dr. Campbell asserted that “if Guyana truly aspires to be recognized as a serious destination for business conferences and tourism, then rather than constantly warring with vendors, authorities must prepare the environment for both the people of Guyana and visiting delegations.”
He cited the Camp Street Prison site as a prime example, stating, “This location should be repurposed as a residential/retail complex that specifically benefits necessity entrepreneurs, not large corporations looking to capitalize on it.” He emphasized its central and ideal position for surrounding communities to shop, adding that with proper marketing, it could become a premier destination for Guyanese and tourists alike.
Empowering citizens in this manner, Dr. Campbell concluded, provides them with “the opportunity to grow and improve their economic circumstances,” placing them on par with their counterparts across the Caribbean.
The pervasive neglect of vending throughout Guyana, he noted, has led to a long history of harassment, threats, and even seizures of goods. For years, minimal effort has been made to elevate vendors from the street corners and unsanitary, rat-infested areas where they are often compelled to operate.
