Tensions surged in Chaguanas on Wednesday when vendors confronted demolition crews and Chaguanas Borough Corporation officials. The crews were dismantling structures at the former Chaguanas Health Centre site along Chaguanas Main Road. This action is part of a broader initiative to transform the area into a modern, structured transport hub, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance commuter safety, and stimulate the borough’s commercial activity.
The vendors on the site fiercely objected to the operation, maintaining they were not adequately accommodated despite claims by officials that relocation plans had been in place for over a year. Alderman Whitney Stevenson-Hamlet, present at the scene, defended the Corporation’s actions. She mentioned that vendors were informed of the impending relocation and offered stalls at the Chaguanas Market with a six-month rent-free period during meetings held in March 2025, October 2025, and February 2026.
Mayor Faaiq Mohammed stressed in a prior statement that the demolition was a critical part of a deliberate plan for the town’s future. He highlighted that Chaguanas’ rapid growth necessitates improved infrastructure and better management of public spaces. The mayor also outlined a deadline of March 31 for vendors to vacate the area, with demolition planned immediately afterwards.
Mayor Mohammed defended the relocation package, describing it as fair and supportive. He refuted claims of insensitivity towards small vendors and argued that maintaining order and enforcing regulations are crucial for creating a sustainable and safe environment. In anticipation of resistance, the mayor cautioned against politicizing the issue, insisting that the Corporation’s focus lies on long-term development goals.
The unfolding situation underlines the ongoing challenge of balancing urban development with the livelihoods of small vendors—a core issue in the redevelopment project that seeks to reshape Chaguanas into a more organized, accessible, and economically vibrant urban centre.
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