Vendors operating at the new Water Street Mall will now have an opportunity to further market the facility following elections held yesterday to form an association.
Newly-elected members of the executive committee of the association, called the New Water Street Vendors Association, stated at yesterday’s forum that the newly formed body will be tasked with further building on a foundation.
President of the association Francis Anderson, told the gathering at the Water Street location yesterday that the association was formed in order “to get the market going”. He called on vendors to get involved in the marketing of the facility noting that the association will be looking at several areas in order to develop the facility. Among the issues which would be addressed are, security of the facility, advertising as well as the development of a marketing strategy.
Errol Brisport of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) stated that the M&CC was grateful for its participation in the venture noting that the department has participated in the guidance of the market facility. He stated that a standout of the venture to date was that the vendors themselves undertook the groundwork leading to the development of the mall. Brisport stated that the problem with most associations is that “they form and soon after, fall apart”. To this end, Brisport encouraged the association and its members to continue to market and develop the facility.
Attorney Nigel Hughes, who has been working in tandem with the market representatives in addressing and developing the legal needs of the vendors, told the forum that the association and vendors alike should look towards creating opportunities to further develop the venture noting that the task at hand is to further “increase foot traffic within the area”. He said that the association should look towards holding signature events stating that the association could request the services of business entities such as the telecommunications companies to assist in this regard.
The other elected members of the association are Lyndon Hermanstyne, Vice President, Gail Thornhill Secretary, Sita Singh, Treasurer and three committee members.
There are some 108 stalls within the market and stall holders pay varying occupancy fees at the facility which includes a monthly fee of $3200 for snackettes and $4000 for clothing and haberdashery stalls.