…Main Street vendors hope for the best as Emancipation sales kick in

ON Saturday Guyana will be celebrating Emancipation Day, under the theme “Overcoming challenges over innovation”. The day’s festivities are usually commemorated with a series of cultural events and a colourful festival held in the National Park, however, these events were cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and will be held virtually instead.

Nevertheless, a few vendors showed up at their regular hotspot, Main Street Avenue, Georgetown in hopes that the virus has not hindered Guyanese from dressing in their best African attire for the season.

Tasha Bishops, who usually sets up her booth every year, told the Guyana Chronicle that while it’s not business as per normal she has still managed to make some sales and will be returning at a later date to see how business would improve.

“Its fine at least you still make a lil something so to me it’s okay, but ill be back for the last week in August,” the woman said.
Additionally, like many, Bishops stated that herself and family will be joining the live virtual celebrations which is expected to be broadcasted on Saturday. Another Vendor, Natasha David of David’s creative designs, said, “This year is a little different because of the COVID-19, and last year and the years before it was good, during this its like three days now I’m on main street and it’s a little slow but still sure, but I’m hopeful that more people will come out.”

David, who makes handcrafted jewelry from leather, wood and other materials, noted that she will be returning to the streets on Saturday for any last-minute buyers. Donette Cummings from DC Styles related that she has received a decent amount of support amid the pandemic to keep her business afloat during her few days on the Avenue.

“It surprised me although business is slow, what I like about the Guyanese is that they still come out and shop because of the culture day at workplaces you know I found more adults shopping,” the woman said.

The woman, who usually comes out during the Emancipation season, stated that due to schools being out, as many children would shop for cultural events at schools, sales were not as booming as they would usually be. Cummings, who sources and sews her own clothing designs, stated that amid the pandemic she added a bonus package to most of her outfits, making matching face masks to go with suits and dresses.

Meanwhile, Chitiru (only name given) from G’s African best wear, noted that the atmosphere is not like it used to be due to the pandemic, however, herself and boss have managed to make a few sales. The young woman noted that given the situation with the current health crisis, she was not expecting sales to be a booming as it usually would, however, she is still grateful for the little sales she has managed to make.

Roxanne Adams, who owns a joint business with her sister and nephew, like many other vendors expressed that the season is not the same due to the virus, however, they are managing with the little they have managed to earn. Adams noted that given the situation she won’t be working on Emancipation Day as she usually would, however she will be at home, where it is safe celebrating with the virtual programme.