The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) and Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) promised August Mawnin’ market, and boy, they totally transformed the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre into an Independence Village.

The Sat’day morning shopping experience saw hordes of customers pouring into the village at the crack of dawn last Saturday to purchase produce from a host of local farmers, who were seen clearing out vehicles loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables and setting up shop in their appointed stalls.

The buzzword of the day was location. Shoppers were pleased to cut back on a trip to the Coronation Market downtown, and were ready and willing to appreciate the traditional market experience.

Chairman of the JCDC, Aston Cooke, was among those shoppers at the Independence Village. With much enthusiasm he explained, “Farmers from 14 parishes have convened in the marketplace to present their best produce. The feedback has been great, the food stalls are open, and shoppers are excited about Hope Road Coronation Market. The prices are good and the food is fresh.”

Cooks were also in the mix as coal stoves were set up to prepare breakfast for the early birds, who had their choice of salt fish fritters, hot chocolate ‘tea’, and traditional local fare. Not to be forgotten were the “push cart man dem” who were eager to transport goods to shoppers’ cars, parked at the Police Officers’ Club parking area. Thursday Life takes you to Sat’day morning shopping at the Independence Village.

— Kadeem Rodgers