Market vendors in downtown Kingston staying put for Beryl

With Hurricane Beryl barrelling towards Jamaica, market vendors in downtown Kingston are head strong in their response to the impending storm.

Despite warnings and curfew restrictions, many vendors have opted to stay put, driven by a mix of financial necessity and the preservation of their goods.

Nadine 'Olive' Sergeant, a seasoned vendor, says she has seen a few storms and hurricanes and that she is not afraid.

"Beryl come here come see me so she ago leave me back here and go," she declared.

Her stall that has cabbage, cucumber, sweet potato, and pumpkin from last Sunday’s stock remains.

When questioned about the risk of her goods being damaged, Sergeant shrugged off concerns with a positive outlook, stating, "If it nuh take me nothing nuh wrong."

She expressed readiness to seek refuge in the market if conditions deteriorate, but for now, she remains steadfast.

"Mi stay with my goods till it pass, mi a watch," she affirmed.

Despite her casual behaviour, Sergeant revealed her concerns for loved ones back home in St Ann.

"I always prepare for the storm before I leave; my big son and daughter are there. They call me every minute [to check up] but sometimes mi nuh answer."

Echoing Sergeant's sentiments, other vendors in the market voiced similar convictions to weather the storm alongside their goods.

Some acknowledged plans to leave soon, while a few last-minute shoppers hurriedly gathered provisions.

- Tiffany Pryce

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