The pillar of a community
East Ruimveldt main entrance bridge
East Ruimveldt main entrance bridge

The historic East Ruimveldt Market By Jamall Adams

OFTENTIMES, it is easy to forget or not recognise gems in your own communities. Over the years, Guyana has seen erections of many wonderfully cultural and unique structures. The East Ruimveldt Market represents such a structure well. Aside from being the only drive-through market in Guyana, it is a prominent place for vending and shopping for those in and around the Ruimveldt and La Penitence communities.

Kenola Adams (Shopper)

The East Ruimveldt Market was built in 1978, by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC). Located on Vlissengen and East Ruimveldt Front Road, its construction was the product of an initiative to provide jobs and convenient shopping for residents of Ruimveldt, La Penitence and other neighbouring communities.

The market housed approximately 200 vending stalls, three public restrooms, and a City Constabulary office. It is said to attract 2,000 customers daily and carries items from both local and international distributors. Therefore, if you are looking for dried coconuts from Ann’s Grove or ham from New York City, you only need to run down to the East Ruimveldt Market to fulfil those needs.

This market encapsulates a colloquial mist that local people enjoy, and foreigners appreciate.  Nyall Henry has been a vendor of the East Ruimveldt Market for over 30 years. His stall is located in the front section of the market and he is known for his fresh greens and various types of fruit.

Nyall Henry (Greens Vendor)

“I began visiting the market as a child with my mother, and would always look forward to it every weekend,” Nyall reminisced, during an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine.  He acquired the stall following his mother’s death and has since been controlling its operations for his financial gain. As he continues to ply his trade on a day-to-day basis, Nyall  expressed his optimism for the future of the market and its development.

Rollex Scott, another vendor, has provided the market with tailoring services for 20-odd years. His trade is so masterful that it has attracted many customers from all across the country, thereby creating increased awareness of the market’s existence.  He related his fulfilment gained by doing what he loves, and encouraged development for the provision of a safer environment. He also suggested that consideration should be made to allow  24-hour shopping at the market.

Rollex Scott (Tailor)

Customers have also referred to the East Ruimveldt market with fondness. “I’ve been coming to this market all my life, so it has sentimental values within my heart,” Kenola Adams, a caterer by profession, and a resident of the East Ruimveldt community, remarked. “The market is conveniently located and the vendors are always friendly.”

In 2016, development projects for the market commenced with the rebuilding of the market’s main entrance. It allowed  easier access and increased vehicular traffic within the facility. The entrance now boasts a pristine upgrade which falls in accordance with the Government’s aim for a cleaner and greener city. Customers and vendors can look forward to several other governmental projects, which will give this community’s pillar a more modern look. The product? An enhancement that can aptly represent the change that has already made for a more refined, but nostalgic Guyana.

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