Students exposed to vapes, alcohol and inappropriate conduct by vendors on Woolford Ave. – Manickchand hears – News Room Guyana
Vending has been banned along Woolford Avenue following concerns raised by schools about student safety, including allegations of vendors inappropriately interacting with students and the sale of vapes and alcohol to minors.
Minister of Local Government Priya Manickchand said the decision followed continuing consultations with vendors and the more than 10 learning institutions located along the avenue.
According to Manickchand, schools reported that some vendors had been “inappropriately speaking to and touching students,” while others were allegedly selling illicit items, including vapes and alcohol, to minors.
She said there were also reports of abusive behaviour towards school staff when vendors were asked to observe school rules, including restrictions on selling during break periods.
The consultations, however, also highlighted the positive role some vendors had played in the school community.
Manickchand said some helped children cross the road, gave parents credit for snacks, waited until students were collected before leaving and sold food and other items at prices below those charged by school canteens.
As a result, some schools opted to accommodate vendors who had previously been cooperative within their school compounds, where they could continue serving students under the schools’ supervision.
The wider vending activity along Woolford Avenue, however, will end.
Manickchand said vendors who were not being accommodated by schools were instructed to remove their caravans, carts and other structures from the avenue.
The Minister also questioned the authorisation of electricity connections used by vendors, saying she was “highly disturbed” to learn that some had been sanctioned through official letters from the Georgetown City Council.
“We hope the issuance of these types of letters stops immediately,” she said.
“There will be no vending on Woolford Avenue,” Manickchand said.
Source: NEW ROOMS SITE
