Vendors defy Beryl

Vendors in downtown Kingston yesterday braved the showers and winds associated with dangerous Category 4 Hurricane Beryl and turned up at their stalls, hoping to make a dollar.

The vendors agreed they were taking a risk, but insisted that their presence in the market was driven by a mix of financial necessity and the need to minimise their losses as most of their goods are perishable.

Nadine 'Olive' Sergeant, a seasoned vendor, has seen a few storms and hurricanes, and is not afraid to be on the streets.

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

Her stall was filled with produce such as cabbage, cucumber, sweet potato and pumpkin.

Sergeant, who journeyed from St Ann to sell her produce in the market, said she pulled out all the stops to ensure her family was secured at home.

"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."

Ahead of Beryl's arrival, Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Tuesday declared Jamaica a disaster area until July 10. Among other things, a curfew was imposed and a evacuation order issued for persons in flood-prone areas.

Yesterday, as Beryl barrelled towards the country, many of the vendors said they intended to leave before the storm poured it wrath on the island. They, however, said that there were last-minute shoppers, who they wanted to ensure get the items they need.

Neko Wallace, who journeyed from St Thomas to sell his yellow-heart breadfruit, said his decision to brave the storm was motivated by his desire to provide for his children. "Everybody afraid of the storm, but God naah let nuttin do him chosen warrior dem," Wallace reasoned.

Wallace, having dipped into his rainy-day funds to ensure adequate supplies at home, felt a duty to replenish those funds. "Mi affi try fi dig back dat fi guh put down a little supme, in case anything happen a yaad me can have supme to run to. Me caah lef' yard empty," he reasoned.