Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Despite the bustling crowds that filled the streets of Siparia for the vibrant La Divina Pastora festivities during Holy Week, vendors expressed disappointment over the dismal sales experienced, particularly on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.
Speaking to Guardian Media yesterday, vendor Tricia Lewis said she paid $400 for a tent and set up her stall on Wednesday night.
“On Holy Thursday, we hardly had any sales. People just don’t have the money to buy as they did before,” she lamented.
However, she noted an increase in the number of people seeking handouts.
“If this is an indication of our economy, it means things are really bad,” she added.
Lewis, who has been selling on the streets for the past 20 years, complained that the price of goods had also increased, deterring customers.
“Sweet peppers are selling for $10 for a pack of four, and a pound of tomatoes is going for $10,” she added.
Siparia resident Shirley Ramkissoon also noted that many more people were coming to the La Divina Pastora Church to pray, as their lives became more difficult.
“Plenty of people can’t find work. Normally, we see people shopping and getting bargains, but not this year,” she said.
Some vendors, like Dwarika Jaikaran, who had four tents, expressed displeasure with the decrease in sales.
“I think we had about a 35 per cent decrease compared to last year. People aren’t even buying kites. In Guyana, kite-flying is a big thing, but here people are losing traditions as the older generation passes away,” he lamented.
Jaikaran said he hoped that the Siparia Regional Corporation would have allowed vendors to sell past 10 am yesterday (Good Friday). However, after consultations with Siparia Mayor Doodnath Mayrhoo, vendors were informed that the streets needed to be cleared and washed before 5 pm to facilitate activities at the church.
Chacon Fernando, who sold toys, also complained of decreased sales this year despite high attendance. He noted that the cost of a tent had increased by $100 this year, yet no provisions had been made to keep illegal vending out of the approved vending zones.
Outside the church, barber Sookoo Bridgemohan and his son Emmanuel did their annual haircutting, but they too noted that their trade was not as brisk as last year.
“Usually, we cut about 50 heads, but it’s 10 o’clock now and all we did was 35,” he revealed.
Bridgemohan explained that people could pay whatever they wished to get a haircut for their children. A piece of the child’s hair is given to parents to perform a ritual at sea, which Bridgemohan said brings blessings for the child.
Inside the church, throngs of people lined up waiting to pay homage to the statue.
Devotee Rookmin Bedassie, who was seen praying fervently, said, “Every year I come here. I am not well, and I came to pray for myself and my family.”
Bedassie added that praying to the statue was part of her Good Friday tradition.
The statue is called La Divina Pastora by Catholics and Siparee Ki Mai by Hindus. It is usually paraded through the streets and is adorned with gold.