Farmers’ market to assist Mayaro

FROM December 13-24, the carpark of S&S Supermarket in Mayaro will be transformed into a farmers’ market, where over 30 vendors and small businesses are expected to ply their trade.

But there’s a twist. Funds raised from the market will go towards helping over 100 families in Mayaro.

Leading the effort is 24-year-old Cocal/Mafeking councillor Renelle Kissoon.

“Christmas time is coming, and I love Christmas. I like to be happy, comfortable and feel like it’s Christmas.

“But being a councillor, it’s very hard to think about yourself without thinking about everyone else. You want everyone to be just as comfortable as you are.”

Kissoon came up with the idea in early November while thinking of activities to help constituents during the Christmas season. In the initial planning stages, she approached farmers in Mayaro who agreed to sell their extra produce and donate all the proceeds from those sales. But, as word got out, Kissoon said several small business owners also stepped forward to help and pledged part of their proceeds to the initiative. Patrons can now expect fresh produce, food, drinks, Christmas decorations, clothing, household items and plants. Visitors can also expect entertainment and giveaways.

Kissoon said any funds raised from the market will go a long way.

“I know these families (assisted with funds from the market) will appreciate whatever we can help them with especially around Christmas time. I always look for families I can help because I see myself in them.”

She said the proceeds will help provide constituents with food hampers and home building materials.

Past national censuses by the Central Statistical Office, she said, have shown the Mayaro area to have a high poverty rate — something with which the councillor can relate.

“I grew up in very humbling circumstances, my parents had six children. When I was smaller, there were always things we (my siblings and I) wanted that we couldn’t have because of our financial circumstances.

“With my personal experiences, that’s why I’m in this field (as a councillor) to play a social role in my community.”

Regardless of the socio-economic challenges in Mayaro, Kissoon doesn't want residents to feel ashamed about their circumstances, but rather to continue to work together to developing the area.

Several sponsors, among them owner of S&S Persad Supermarket Sunita Persad, have pledged their support.

“Sunita’s idea was to do something to give back to the community.

“When I pitched my idea (for the farmers’ market), she was all for it,” Kissoon said.

Apart from providing the venue, Persad is also providing Kissoon with sponsorship and tents among other things.

Other sponsors include BpTT and Rotoplastics Trinidad Ltd, whose bins will be placed throughout the market for people to donate canned items.

Kissoon is calling on people anywhere to reach out and assist in any way they can. She said people from other areas such as Princes Town, Rio Claro, and Sangre Grande have offered to be a part of the initiative.

“It’s important to help, when you are in a position to help, because I know how much help I got growing up.”

People visiting the market are reminded that covid19 protocols will be in place which include the wearing of masks, hand sanitisation and physical distancing.

Anyone interested in supporting or participating in the farmers’ market can contact Kissoon at 778-8026 and S&S Persad Supermarket, in Mayaro, at 730-7981 or 370-2959. Visit the event’s Facebook page at 12 Days to Christmas- Christmas Village, to learn more.