A Port Mourant vendor shares his story

THE Port Mourant market is a vibrant hub of life and excitement, serving as both home and workplace for thousands. This bustling marketplace is an integral part of Port Mourant’s identity, with hundreds of vendors setting up shop daily to sell homegrown produce, handmade sauces, and an array of essential goods. Conrad Campbell stands among the many merchants with their bright, inviting stalls, signature calls, and diverse wares.

A Part of the Community
Conrad first established his presence in the Port Mourant market in 1989, becoming a fixture among the numerous men and women who call this bustling bazaar their workplace. Over the years, through countless interactions with people from nearby communities, particularly Manager’s Compound, Conrad has become an integral part of the local social tapestry.

Known affectionately as ‘Rasta man’, a moniker earned from years of selling his greens at the entrance of Manager’s Compound, Conrad has emerged as an honorary member of the village. Although he doesn’t reside there, his presence and contributions have made him a familiar and respected figure in the community.

“I am a well-known man in the area. Not just in the area, really,” Conrad shared with the Pepperpot Magazine during a conversation at his market stand. Born and raised in Liverpool, also on the Corentyne, Conrad noted the stark differences between his birthplace and Port Mourant. “Liverpool was a quiet community. I started rearing cattle there, then I joined the army,” he recalled.

Conrad considers himself a true Corentyne man, having lived in many places along Corentyne and spending most of his time in Port Mourant. Like many others the Pepperpot Magazine has encountered, Conrad’s journey to the Port Mourant market was influenced by love. Since 1989, Conrad and his wife bought and resold greens until her passing a year ago. “I’ve been doing business since I came here. I got myself a job as a vendor with a woman. Unfortunately for me, she passed about a year ago, and I decided to continue the business. The business, at certain times, is nice, and at certain times, it’s very rough,” he reflected.

Business in the Region
As someone at the heart of the region’s commercial operations, Conrad offered insights into the inner workings of the renowned Port Mourant market. The market serves as the go-to place for all necessities, particularly fresh produce. However, Conrad explained that most vendors are retailers rather than producers, “I’ve been selling here since 1989. Some commodities we have to purchase are very expensive. Right now, Boulanger is expensive, just like tomatoes. We come to the market and purchase from wholesalers. Most people that sell here are retailers.”

When asked about farming, Conrad revealed an interesting aspect of his background. “I am certified academically in agricultural science. But I don’t like doing agricultural work. I would go around farms, see how you’re doing, and give advice, but I don’t like farming myself,” he explained. This preference for trade over agriculture shaped his career path.

Conrad also shed light on the diverse employment landscape in Port Mourant. Beyond the market vendors and entrepreneurs, many residents find work in traditional industries. “Most of the guys in this area are doing cane cutting or rebuilding streets. Some people are doing the ten-day work. Most guys are doing cane-cutting,” he observed, painting a picture of a community balancing traditional labour with entrepreneurial pursuits.

A rich life experience
Conrad’s life experiences extend far beyond the boundaries of Port Mourant. His time in the army took him to various parts of Guyana, giving him a unique perspective on his home region. “I went to places like Mabaruma and Jonestown. I was a lecturer in the army, a sergeant, and a training instructor. I used to train people in the army,” he recounted.

These experiences have only deepened his appreciation for Port Mourant and its surroundings. “Guyana is a wonderful country, but comparing other places to Burmese, it’s different. In Burmese, people are self-employed, doing cane cutting. They love their social life here in Port Mourant,” he noted, highlighting the area’s unique character.

Now 64, Conrad has embraced a more simplistic lifestyle, focusing on his business while cherishing his role as a father of six and grandfather of five. His journey from Liverpool to Port Mourant, from cattle rearer to army sergeant to market vendor, exemplifies the adaptability and resilience of the people in this region.

Like so many others, Conrad’s story is more than just a personal narrative; it’s a window into the evolving landscape of Port Mourant and the broader Corentyne coast. The region has crafted a mix of traditional occupations like cane-cutting with the entrepreneurial spirit of the market.