Local Vendors Praise Government’s Agri Night Market Initiative for Its Positive Impact Ahead of Wednesday’s Christmas-Themed Event

(MOA Basseterre, St. Kitts, 15 December 2024): 

The Agri Night Market, an initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture in St. Kitts and Nevis, continues to receive glowing reviews from local vendors and community members alike. 

As anticipation builds for the Christmas-themed edition on Wednesday, 18th December 2024, vendors have eagerly lauded the government-organized event, noting its immense value in promoting local cuisine, commerce, and community spirit.

In a recent interview, vendor at the Basseterre Public Market, Avril Archibald, a retired Principal of the Avril Archibald College, expressed that she has found new passion at the public market. Spending her retirement creating and selling floral arrangements alongside household items, she describes her participation as fulfilling. 

She said, “I come to the market every day except Sunday, and I sell household things and floral arrangements. I love doing the floral arrangements, so when I come here, it is therapeutic for me because during the course when I am here, I get to reconnect with my students. When I come here, it is therapeutic for me because during the course when I am here, I get to reconnect with my students,” she shared. 

Archibald also used the opportunity to encourage the government to continue supporting the Agri Night Market initiative, noting, “It sorts of motivates the vendors, and it gives the public a chance to come and choose from a wide variety of vegetables.”

Fayola Bradshaw, a vendor of 15 years, has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the Agri Night Market. With anticipation, she highlights the excitement and community spirit the event generates. “It is an exciting moment and lots of people coming out to really support,” Bradshaw noted. Additionally, she leverages modern, innovative solutions like the 869ToGo delivery service to complement her market presence and help sustain her income during slower periods. The online platform service, which was launched in November 2023, offers vendors the opportunity to sell their goods virtually while giving the public access to fresh produce via an online portal. 

For Shermel Thomas of Shermel’s Natural Touch, the Agri Night Market is more than just a business venture; it’s a platform to share her creative talents and connect with the local community. “It benefits me as I get to promote, advertise, and enjoy the scenery and the ambiance, and I make lots of local earrings and bracelets that are made from lava stones,” she said, highlighting that her participation not only boosts her sales but also contributes to the unique charm and appeal of the market.

By prioritizing initiatives that blend the cultural celebration with economic empowerment, the government is ensuring that the nation’s heritage remains vibrant while also creating tangible benefits for farmers, fishers, agro-producers, and other agricultural stakeholders in St. Kitts and Nevis.

The Agri Christmas Night Market set for Wednesday, 18th December is scheduled to run from 5 p.m. until 12 a.m. at the Basseterre Public Market, located on the island Bay Road, St. Kitts. 

-END-