City will enforce public health laws on barbers, cosmetologists

Dear Editor, The issue of Barbers and Cosmetologists operating on the streets of the City has once again surfaced. Hence, it is imperative that the Georgetown Municipality brings clarity to the extant situation.

In the first instance it is a contravention of the Municipal and District Councils Act 28:01 to operate a roadside Barbershop or Hairdressing Salon. Further, it is an unsafe health practice that can compromise the health of customers and service providers. It is also difficult for Officers of the Council to monitor roving Barbers shops.

The Council is fully cognizant of the socio-economic constraints and supports the view that every single Guyanese has a right to earn a decent living. However, this should be done within the confines of the laws of the Country, Town or City. The Council had met with persons who operate roadside Barbershop and Hairdressing Salons on multiple occasions and had encouraged them to put themselves in order. Many said that they could not afford to rent a building or even a workstation at a salon to ply their trade. The Council, upon listening to the cries and pleas of this group of business people decided to help by allowing the Merriman Mall area to be used under a prescribed set of agreements including regular monitoring of their operations by the City Public Health Department and the agreement that they should keep the area in a clean and tidy manner at all times.

Also, they would not return to the streets to ply their trade. However, it was brought to the attention of the Council that a fraction of this very group had flouted the agreement and had moved back onto the streets of Georgetown.

It must be noted that before a Barber can commence operations he must first be examined by the Medical Officer of Health and must be certified to be in good health, before he can be registered by the Town Clerk. The medical certification is imperative to preventing the transmission of communicable diseases. The City Laws state that “no barber suffering from any cutaneous or communicable disease should be involved in barbering”.

The Medical Fitness of the Barbers and Hairdressers is monitored by the Council through the Medical Officer of Health. Once the Barbers are granted certification by the City Council to operate, their operations and the location are subjected to routine inspections by Officers of the Public Health Department. As a part of the routine, Public Health Inspectors are mandated to observe barbers as they engage their clients. This is to determine if required health standards are observed by the barbers as they work.

All the equipment used on clients must be sterilized before it can be used on another client this includes: scissors, clippers and other cutting tools. The tools and equipment used by Barbers are subjected to thorough examination by the Public Health Inspectors assigned to the area.

All towels used should be washed daily and clean towels used with each client. Barbers should observe hand washing rules at all times. Barbers found negligent are served notices and if they fail to comply can be taken before the Courts

It is imperative that citizens be cognizant that the Public Health Laws play a critical role in reducing illness and premature death. It also, improves the health of the general population.

Many legitimate Barbers have constantly complained to the Council about unfair competition they face daily. In addition, they have to comply with rules of the Municipality or face prosecution, while those who operate on the Council’s thoroughfares go free.

It must be noted that the Council is not on any campaign to deprive anyone of a livelihood but work must be done within the confines of the City Laws. The Council has tried its utmost given the circumstances to lend a helping hand to this group of persons. The Council must assume a posture to look out for the health and well-being of all of its citizens. Yours faithfully, Debra Lewis