As vendors celebrate their 24th anniversary on the Merriman Mall in Bourda, Georgetown they are hopeful of improvements like security, access to water and restroom facilities.
The celebration was held at the Mall where there was a brief ceremony with the Mayor Ubraj Narine; Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon; Town Clerk, Sherry Jerrick; Chief Constable, Peter Livingston; Ingrid Corbin, the first female stall holder and the rest of the Merriman’s Mall committee members in attendance. The Mayor also did a walkthrough of the mall before sitting down for a lunch with the committee and other persons. A drum presentation kept the atmosphere upbeat as persons were observed shopping and observing the ceremony.
This newspaper spoke to some of the vendors who shared that they are elated at the milestone. They also said that while they encourage others to take up spots at the Mall, there is a need for restroom facilities, water and security.
Samantha (only name given) sells household equipment at the Mall. She said that water is needed at the Mall. Currently, vendors bring along their own or pay persons to fetch water for them. She said that when the Mall first started the stallholders used iron stalls and they had to take their goods home with them at the end of the workday. Then they were told that the concrete stalls with locks would be built. Since the building of these newer stalls some years ago, Samantha said vending at the Mall has become easier and safer. She noted that persons can now leave their goods in their secured stall and go home with the certainty that it would be there the next day. However, she is calling for security at the Mall. According to Samantha there is currently no such facility. Rental fees are paid by the vendors to the city.
Meanwhile, Ms McDonald, a vendor who has a cleaning supplies business at the Mall, said that during her 20 years there she has had no problems with anyone and that she is encouraging other small-business owners to acquire stalls so that they too can benefit from the Mall. According to McDonald, the Merriman Mall has people from all walks of life taking up a spot there. She said that with a committee formed for the Mall it is now becoming easier to obtain a stall which is why she is encouraging persons to join them and attract customers while building their business.
The woman said, “I am encouraging people to come in and get a stall to open their business because it’s a very comfortable atmosphere.” She said that everyone looks out for one another and while they would like security there isn’t much to worry about with regard to robberies.
The owner of Shondell’s Beauty stall says she has been selling at the Merriman Mall for 15 years and during this time she has seen impressive improvements. But like her colleagues, she too would like to have a toilet facility and water at the Mall. Shelline (only name given) worked in the market for 14 years before she decided to get her stall at the Merriman Mall just over a year ago, she told this newspaper. She explained that she is a seamstress and she is very happy there. However, she said that it is difficult to leave the stall to use the nearby Bourda Market washroom facility.
Christina Fisher who owns a cook shop at the Merriman Mall said that workers rely on her and she also has customers who buy food while shopping.
Some of the businesses at the Merriman Mall are also using social media to boost their business. According to the owner of Exquisite Cake Decorating and Party Supplies, she has a Facebook page where she can post the decorations.
The vendors set up their stalls in February 1996 and at the time used steel frames before the former Mayor Hamilton Green allowed for concrete stalls to be built. The area was then commissioned in 1997.
