Local vendors expressed mixed feelings about sales at Independence celebrations. Many decried low participation at the Market Day with a Difference, and others said the Creole in the Streets patronage is very low. A few said they made significant sales but largely from foreigners, and not much from local customers.
The Market Day with a Difference was organized by the Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA) and the Roseau Market Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. A lot of producers showcased their products but they couldn’t just say why sales are low this year, saying it could have been better for all they know. Christopher James, manufacturer of the Chef Six Natural Products, even blamed the low sales on the low turnout of people wearing Creole dresses.
“As a people we need to do better than that a lot of people are not dressed in the Creole wear I just find that this year could have been better,” James said. “When you talk about patriotism, that is what it is all about…going to the rallies, going to the food fares, going to Creole festival; that’s what we have, and that’s how we make our money.”
He urged the government to make the market and economy more conducive for better sales next year, saying petty politics must be set aside and love of nation and one another allowed to take pre-eminence.
Kamisha Dominique, founder of L’Huile Dominique, a company that produces natural oils such as castor oil, moringa oil, and virgin coconut oil, said sales have not been as initially anticipated. She noted that sales were better on the first day from tourists, but subsequent days have not been too encouraging.
“I haven’t felt the ‘boom’ as yet but there’s interest,” Dominique observed. “The first day was the best for me in terms of sales. On the second day I sold some and I have already sold for today- the third day. The sales are coming in but…mainly from the foreigners.”
She stated that various products would make better sales if there were increased awareness of their benefits and how revenue from them could help improve the economy.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Trade, Energy and Employment, Ian Douglas, said he is impressed with improvements in the agricultural sector, adding this has led to the abundance of food products in the market and in various households. He encouraged people to consume more fruits and vegetables for better health, saying this is the only way to address “the nutritional needs of the population”.
This article is copyright © 2019 DOM767
