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19th November 2011
A Happy Vendor

Georgia Papios better known as ‘Pa Show’ always wears a pleasant smile on her glowing face. At the age of 20 Georgia started her own business at the Castries Market with less than $50 and has maintained her business for 16 years now.
“I could remember the first time I came to the market to sell many years ago. I started my business with $40. I went by a mister by the name of Dixon from Ti Colon and bought $20 worth of oranges. He sold it to me at five for a dollar. I then came down to the Castries Market and sold the oranges at five for two dollars. I sold all and had doubled my money. The next day I bought $30 worth of oranges. Mr. Dixon sold them to me at the same price and I continued to increase my purchase and extended on my business. I went on to buy a bag of dasheen, potatoes and other provisions but I realized after a while the provisions were not selling fast enough and would stay on my hands and spoil, so I decided to purchase dry goods instead to sell to tourists. I think I made a wise decision then and I have seen much profit in it. I have since then achieved much from my business,” Georgia said as she reminisced on the past.
Today, Georgia sells local bags, local spices, craft, soaps and many other different products at the Castries Market. She has worked hard vending at the Castries Market till 8pm daily while raising her four children.

 
 
“There were times I experienced flash floods on Jeremie Street and my two little girls, ages 5 and 6 years would be there with me. I could say that their father was a good man because he would always come to pick them up every afternoon and I would stay at the market till late to earn an extra dollar,” remembered Georgia.
Georgia encourages people who are unemployed to take a risk and venture into their own business. She says she would like to see young people wisely invest, to multiply the little they have.
“Despite I had my children young, I am happy with what I have achieved here at the Castries Market and I can encourage people who are unemployed to come and start their own business here. I would also like to ask the government to help us with the water situation and to properly secure the grounds to keep our goods safe. At present, though we have one security guard on watch at nights, we experience lots of theft from the vagrants who roam the streets at night. We the people are unable to transport our goods to and from the market daily, so some help from the government would be deeply appreciated,” Georgia pleaded.

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