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Vendor, Sharon Bellamy-Thompson, speaking about sales on the first day of vending at the Bridgetown Fish Market after the National Pause.

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Fish vendor, Tyson, weighing marlin.

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VENDORS BACK!: It was a happy scene for vendors who ply their trade in and around the Cheapside Market. They were allowed to restart the sale of produce, which was stopped during the National Pause. Many vendors who spoke to The Barbados Advocate yesterday were happy and relieved to have the chance to earn a living again and stated that they would be taking the precautions and following the protocols.

Vendors report a fair first day back out

Vendors at two of this island’s markets reported moderate sales yesterday as they remain optimistic about the week ahead.

It was the first day that markets across the island which sell food, meat, vegetables, fruits and dry goods were permitted to reopen after the month-long National Pause.

Speaking to The Barbados Advocate, vendors at the Bridgetown Fish Market said they were glad to be back on the job.

They said those in charge of the market ensured that at the start of the work day, checks were made to ensure things such as their fishing license and health certificate were in order. Each person’s temperature was taken and their hands sanitised before being allowed to proceed.

It was pointed out that Jacks were the main fish on sale, while there were limited supplies of other fish such as marlin. One vendor told this newspaper that she anticipates a greater variety of fish will be on offer in the coming weeks. She explained that fishermen were currently out at sea and there will be more fish and variety next week when they come back in. She is hopeful Flying fish will be among the catch as that is loved by Barbadians.

Meanwhile, over at the Cheapside Market, the vendors said they were “anxious to work again”. When The Barbados Advocate visited the Butchers’ section, only two stalls were open at the time. Both stall operators said the focus of the day was mainly to clean up and ensure their stalls met the highest health standards. When asked about sales, the vendor at Hinkson’s Meat Stall told this newspaper that “it wasn’t bad, no rush. It was a calm day”.

When asked if there were any issues getting an assortment of meat to have available for customers, she said they raised their own stock, therefore they would not find it difficult. However, for those who do not raise their own stock, it would be harder to get a great variety.

Those vending street side who sell vegetables also reported sales were so, so on the day. Most individuals said they were looking forward to the weekend when they anticipate most of their regular customers would visit their trays. They indicated that getting a variety of vegetables to sell was not difficult as most of them were farmers. Bentley, who said he buys his produce from farmers, said it was not difficult either for those purchasing as many farmers had vegetables they wanted to get off their hands.

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