–talking business growth, a healthier Guyana with Rahaman Jabar

By Shari Simon
FOR 23 years, Rahaman Jabar, popularly known as ‘Fruits Man’, has been selling fresh fruits, assorted fruit salads, and organic juices.

Amid the busy people and vehicles constantly on the go, Jabar, who is a fruit vendor and owner of ‘Rahaman’s Fruits’, sells from his truck that is now a mobile stall at the intersection of Church and East Streets, Georgetown.

“We sell lots of fruits. From bananas, apples, grapes, pineapples, oranges, watermelons; all variety of fruits,” said Jabar, a 49-year-old father of four daughters. “Plus, we sell juices; no sugar!” he added.

He would leave his Georgetown home early in the morning, arriving at his place of work between 08:00 hrs and 09:00 hrs to begin the day’s sales.

As part of his efforts to promote healthy eating lifestyles, and ensure Guyanese become self-aware of their diet and everyday food consumption habits, Jabar noted that in addition to the fruits and juices, he would also prepare fruit salads that comprise 12 different fruits.

He shared that the fruit salads give customers the luxury of eating a number of fruits as well as gaining the vitamins and nutrients they need to maintain a healthy immune system, especially in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“We try to encourage people to eat more healthy,” Jabar remarked, before adding that he would often advise his customers on the specific benefits of certain fruits, and ways they can consume them, depending on the illness or disease they may be trying to remedy.

Jabar, who grew up in Jacklow, in Region 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam), recalled that after marrying, he would assist his former father-in-law, Nazir Sadik, who, at the time, only sold bananas. Eventually, he would inherit the business from him.

Over the years, Jabar worked to expand the business by recognising the growing market demand for affordable fresh fruits as well as an easily accessible location to purchase them.

Today, ‘Rahaman’s Fruits’ has amassed an extensive customer base, with Jabar remarking that on some days, he would sell to as much as 100 or 200 customers.

“I have customers from all over Guyana!” Jabar said. “My customers include teachers, doctors, diplomats, the President, schoolchildren, foreigners. We represent everybody, and we sell everybody,” he said.

Jabar credits the longevity of his business to his strength and perseverance, and support from his wife, Safflya Jabar. With that support, coupled with his honesty, he has managed to maintain a loyal customer base.

He believes in the principle of oneness, and reiterated that his commitment remains to serving everyone. This commitment can be seen in the different country flags that adorn his truck, and complement the rainbow of fruit colours that invite customers to taste, buy and return.

He also attributes the growth and success of his business to having a supportive staff.

Apart from being a one-stop fruit stall for customers, Jabar is also actively involved in community development. “We maintain from Quamina Street to Church Street; keep it clean, keep the drain clean!” he said.

When he is not tending to customers, Jabar really enjoys finding ways to beautify the immediate environs of his business. “We are planting trees! We plant flowers, and we installed a sink,” he said.

These activities continue to allow Jabar to balance being a business owner and a passionate environmentalist.