The M&CC was out of order to demolish the shop at...

recognised that this sector grew out of a need for people to engage in economic activities to sustain themselves and families, and to provide a service to society whose population needs and wants are diverse and include the need for convenience.

Stabroek Market was built in the 1880s. Even with whatever expansion was done in the post-colonial period, the population and needs of the communities being served have outlived the size of the market. There are more people traversing Georgetown who have multiple preferences, come from diverse income brackets, and are desirous of the goods and service being offered. No member of the council can admit to not patronising this sector, neither can the council deny that the fees paid by this sector do not play a vital role in its function. The vendors are responding to and satisfying the outlined conditions.

The vendors are not a nuisance to society. Their ingenuity in finding economic opportunities for themselves and others when traditional avenues did not and could not accommodate them, is to be applauded. The fact that the M&CC may not have anticipated the varied population trends and needs, and put systems in place to allow trade to take place in a structured manner after consulting with the vendors, as against the occasional high-handed approach, is not the fault of the vendors.

And given what is taking place, vendors may question the wisdom of their choice in casting a ballot for those who today threat them with contempt. It is important to ensure this aspect of our economy is allowed to thrive, like any other. It is a nonexcuse to hide being claims that criminal activities are being conducted where persons are vending, hence the vendors have to be removed and their structures ruthlessly dismantled.

Where there is a known presence of criminal activities or the possibility of the same occurring, it is the role of the M&CC to attend to this by improving their crime-fighting techniques, not dispossessing those engaged in legitimate trade and those who desire to patronise them. The nation must not countenance incompetence by persons placed in positions of authority, who, instead of delivering quality services within the confines of the laws and time-honoured principles, are coming up with spurious excuses for not performing and respecting people’s rights.

On the issue of the matter of the shop at the Stabroek Market square which was dismantled by the M&CC, it now says that it was unaware of a court case; this is unacceptable. There is an existing dispute between the M&CC and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure as to the ownership of the land, that the M&CC would be aware of. As such, until there is a court determination of ownership, the M&CC is out of order to ascribe to itself the authority to demolish the property thereon, under any condition.

The continued contempt for the rule of law that we are witnessing by the M&CC has been pervasive, and is largely responsible for the mess this country has found itself in. This lawlessness must be addressed. The M&CC must be held accountable for its actions. There is no excuse for ignorance of the law, or using ignorance as an opportunity to commit dastardly acts against the citizens of this country.

The contempt for citizens and their welfare, including the laws established to protect them, will continue until the citizens stand up, take strident positions, and hold elected leaders accountable. In a representative democracy those elected are there to serve the people, not treat them like serfs and preside over them like lords. Yours faithfully, Lincoln Lewis