First Published: 10th of August, 2020 by Patrick Carpen
Last updated: May 27, 2024 at 16:10 pmThe Stabroek Market was constructed between the years 1881 and 1882 in Water Street, Georgetown, Guyana, South America. Guyana, a British Colony at that time, was called British Guiana.
The Stabroek Market was constructed under British Rule during the Victorian Era. The British ruled Guyana from 1814 until Independence in 1966. An American Company, Edge Moor Iron Company of Delaware, USA, was contracted to design and construct the Stabroek Market. It was designed by American Engineer Nathaniel McKay.
The Stabroek Market covers an area of about 80,000 square feet (7000 square meters) at the bank of the Demerara River in Georgetown, Guyana.
The word “Stabroek” is of Dutch origin, and what we now know as Georgetown was originally named the city of Stabroek under Dutch Colonial Rule. Under British Rule, the name of the city was changed to Georgetown, but the Stabroek Market retained the former name of the city.
The Stabroek Market Square in Georgetown is said to be one of the busiest spots in the city. It is also reputed to be crime-ridden with hand-bag snatchers, pickpockets, and knife-point robbers lurking at various corners. Visitors are advised to be on their guard when walking around the vicinity of the Stabroek Market entrance known as the Stabroek Market Square. This advice was effective up to the writing of this article – last updated May, 2024. However, we do hope that the authorities will take steps to make the city, and especially the Stabroek Market Square, a safe place to walk at any hour.
Right opposite the Stabroek Market entrance is a branch of the Demico House. Upstairs of the Demico House is the Guinness Bar. Across the road from the Guinness Bar is the Parliament Building of Guyana. There is also a Churches Chicken close to the Stabroek Market.
Vendors and shoppers converge at the Stabroek Market daily to facilitate buying and selling of a wide variety of products and produce ranging from locally produced greens, fruits and vegetables to imported cosmetics, clothing, and electronics. There is also a fish and meat section at the Stabroek Market.
Here are some beautiful photos of the Stabroek Market Area.