In 2019, while driving through Moneague, on my way to Konoko Falls, in St. Ann, I spotted a fruit vendor, Omar, sitting on a make-shift stool with a few fruits on display. I wasn’t really hungry but I wanted to patronise him, because I knew it’s not easy for vendors.
He had a few crates with oranges and jackfruits, and I decided to start a conversation, as he diligently removed the seeds from the jackfruit.
Omar was a down-on-his-luck man, trying odd jobs here and there, but still struggling to make ends meet.
“Well sar, mi used to borrow borrow money and when time come for me to pay back, mi ca’an find nuh money, so mi decide fi change mi ways,” Omar shared.
Watch the video below to see the transformation his life has taken.
Video of the Week
Omar started small, explaining, “Mi get a pardna draw and mi decide fi invest it in some fruits to sell back and since that time, mi stop borrow money,”
At first, business was slow, but Omar didn’t give up. He was friendly and helpful to his customers, and he always offered them fresh, high-quality fruits.
I kept in contact with him and by 2021, Omar had established himself as a reputable vendor in the area. “Right now bossy, people from all over know me, ah jus Jah works,” an elated Omar exclaimed.
With this success, he stopped using the crates and built up a spot on the opposite side of the road with a more organised stall. “Anything people waa, mi hav it, from bissi, pine, tomato to water jelly. Sometimes pan a weeken, people will call me from early an mek dem order to pic up later.”
This growth has continued over the years, and it has not gotten to his head, as he carries himself the same way, saying rooted to his philosophies. He now employs two of his friends, who man the shop when he has to go to the market.
