By Jared Liddell

SINCE news of the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana, many business personnel have been affected, including those vendors who operate in the varying markets across the region, many of whom have relocated their businesses in an effort to continue sustaining themselves and families.

The Guyana chronicle reached out to several persons who have recently set up temporary stalls along the Vlissengen Road in order to capture what the new system of business is for these entrepreneurs and how their businesses have been affected since the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Guyana Chronicle spoke to Bibi Ferguson who stated, that she relocated her business, temporarily, from the kitty market to the Vlissengen main road, following the closer of the markets to facilitate sanitation and promote social distancing, in an effort to combat the COVID-19 virus. She had concluded that the prospects of sustaining herself was becoming less. Ferguson explained that she had the idea, then, to take a portion of her items, mostly fruits, to a spot on Vlissengen road.

“Making the move to come here was a little difficult for me. My stall in the Kitty market was passed down from my grandmother to my mother and then to me… I have been in that spot working for all my life, but I had to find a way to make money to take care of my family.”

When asked, Ferguson stated that business is indeed slow, but that she can manage on what she has been making out there so far. She explained that, had she not made the move to relocate and been able to sell her perishable items, it would have been difficult for her to sustain herself.

“I had to come out here, not only would I not have been able to receive any money from my usual selling, but I would have lost financially. I don’t have any items like stone or sand or anything that I can pack up and sell after this is all over. I have fruits; if I do not get them off my hands after I would have already paid for them, then I would be losing two times.”

Ferguson said that although business is not as high as before, she believes that being on the Vlissengen road strip has its advantages. she explained that her customers are able to simply pull up and call for the items they wish to purchase and quickly continue on their way. She further said that it is so spacious out there that it is easy to observe the COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.

Ferguson made a special plea for the constables not to remove her from her spot. She pointed out that she is a single parent trying to make a living to sustain herself and daughter. She added that all of the persons who have taken the decision to make a similar move, also, are just trying to take care of their families and the bills they would be required to pay when this all blows over.

Mr. and Mrs. Doodnaught are among the new vendors who took up a spot on the Vlissengen road strip. They explained that, prior to the Pandemic, they operated their business at the Bourda Market. Mr. Doodnaught stated that, since the markets were not being opened as per normal, it became increasingly difficult for him to sell his products.
Doodnaught stated that himself and wife had been selling at the Bourda Market for over 30 years, and said that this period has been very difficult for him as a business person. He stated that he had moved his business there some 2 weeks ago. He explained that he brings out buckets of water as well as hand soap to ensure that himself, wife and his worker all take the necessary precautions against the COVID-19 virus.

The businessman stated that the business is their only source of income and as such he had to make the necessary adjustments as it related to relocating. He stated that if they were to be barred from operating at the site it would be financially challenging for himself and family.

Doodnaught stated that, although he wants the virus to be completely gone and business activities regularized, he understands that, at this point, himself and many other business persons would have to make a few changes to ensure that they are able to sustain themselves, their families and their workers.

A third vendor, Gieer Ramkissoon, stated that he too had relocated from the market, after being there for over ten year. He explained that he comes out every day and works to ensure that he could provide for his children. He explained that if he does not make the effort it would be impossible for his family to survive since that was his primary source of income.

“I have my daughter and my son that I have to provide for. Right now my daughter is in common entrance class and the teacher using the internet to send them work and prepare them for the exam. If I don’t work and pay for the internet how will my daughter be able to get the work she needs to study?” expressed Ramkissoon.

Ramkissoon stated that this has been one of the most difficult seasons for business he has ever encountered throughout the entire ten years he has been in business. He too is making a special plea to the constables and the City Council to allow them to continue operating their businesses until this season has passed. He explained that there is a significant portion of space alongside the Vlissengen road that could accommodate the few vendors who would have chosen to relocate.