Ahead of the Official Opening of the Road Town Market Square on Monday February 13th, 284 Media took to the streets of Road Town to engage with farmers and get a feel of their perspective surrounding this development.
That day it was made abundantly clear to our team that a majority of farmers in the area were not in the least interested in occupying the available booths, while others said that they were uncertain whether moving from their roadside spots, in favour of inhabiting the Market Square, would be profitable.
When contacted for comment, Director for Agriculture and Fisheries Theodore James said that he too had observed this trend within the vendor community. He noted that many vendors, now well established in their spots, are likely to prefer to remain where their customers can find them.
Meanwhile, some vendors who were initially interested in moving into the Market Square told our team that they were put off by the relatively steep price tag attached for monthly rent of the booths.
Vendors are expected to pay $300 or $450 per month to occupy the booths.
City Manager Janice Brathwaite Edwards justified the cost as “reasonable” considering the investments made to the facility.
Despite this, it is anticipated that every booth in the Market Square will be inhabited in the initial instance.
Brathwaite Edwards told our team that there have already been 17 applications made for the 15 available booths. Over a period of 72 hours leading up to the Opening Ceremony on Monday, these applications will be reviewed and successful candidates will be assigned booths. She explained that the process will be guided by a list of criteria.