VENDORS who were severely affected by a fire that ravaged a section of Ocho Rios Market in St Ann have been creative in keeping their businesses afloat despite the setback.

The March 16 fire destroyed two shops that were operated by Robert Taylor and his son Fabian from which they sold local and imported produce.

They suffered a great loss, but have not lost their drive to keep their customers happy and provide for their family. The Taylors have constructed three wooden tables along with a makeshift tent, from which they have been conducting business in the past few days.

“I make up some little table after the fire and just say I have to make a move because I have kids to send to school and I have my daily ‘pardner’ so I can’t really sit down and not do anything.

“I have to move and make things happen in whatsoever way possible,” Robert told the Jamaica Observer as he organised a stack of sweet peppers on his stall.

‘Pardner’ is basically an informal collaborative money-raising scheme usually established among friends, family members, colleagues, or co-workers

Robert, a farmer from Cascade in St Ann, has been selling in Ocho Rios Market for more than 30 years. Transporting the goods back and forth is quite a challenge since losing the shops, but the tent he received recently lightens the burden and protects his goods.

“My son got the tent about two days ago because when the rain comes, all the things get soak, but under the tent is very hot and not as comfortable. But I have to just try a little thing. I have my customers come in and support me same way, so I’m grateful,” added the elder Taylor.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie, during his walk-through of the damaged market two Mondays ago, promised assistance to the vendors but cautioned that it would not be immediate.

Robert said he is being patient with the Government and is hopeful that the State will provide some assistance.

“I believe in the Government and I know that they will come through for us and do what they can to assist,” said Robert.

Another vendor, Sandra Palmer, who suffered losses, said she has also been making efforts to get back on her feet.

“I can’t wait on Government, I have bills to pay and children to send to school. If they give us back something, we work with it, but we can’t wait. I bought back some stuff and sort out my stall so I can make money,” Palmer told the Observer.