New market to boost George Town area

Organiser Leslie Bigelman inspects a colourful stall
before the market opens

A shopper gets a relaxing massage at Market Cayman

Friday, April 30, 2004

What began as an idea of Minister Dr the Hon Frank McField, a new initiative has started to kick-start the economy in the area close to George Town Primary School.

Market Cayman is the first Cayman Islands regularly organised open air market and takes place once a month to allow vendors the chance to sell their products and services.

The third Market Cayman will be taking place this Saturday on School Road. More than 30 stalls will be set up selling a range of products from accessories for hair and clothing, food products such as locally produced pepper sauce, fruits and vegetables, candles, fresh coconut water and even a massage station for shoppers looking to be pampered at the market.

Organised by Beulah McField and Leslie Bigelman, the market is proving very popular with residents living nearby and those travelling in from other districts.

“We have chosen a high-traffic area, and this is contributing to the market’s success,” commented Ms McField.

“A lot of shoppers in the Eastern Avenue area are parking their cars and coming to see what is going on. Hundreds of people attended the first two markets and we are hoping for even more this time.”

The market has been praised for its friendly local atmosphere and wide selection of products. Ms McField said: “You can get breadfruit, mangoes and other local produce at the market at excellent prices, but there are also artists exhibiting their work, and then a flea market area with secondhand goods available.

“There is a diverse selection of goods being sold at Market Cayman with a wonderful bustling and friendly atmosphere.”

Local people are able to use this market to sell their products, but also it helps the community as with goods available direct from the supplier, the prices at the market are very competitive.

Children will also be catered for with a special children’s corner that will enable parents to leave their children in a supervised environment free of charge.

The children’s corner will include snacks, a bouncy castle and other activities for them to play while their parents are busy shopping and meeting up with friends.

Of course, no street market is complete without food vendors selling snacks ready to eat.

“Market Cayman is no exception,” said Ms McField, “a number of vendors will be selling local dishes and delicacies.”

The market is proving popular with people of all nationalities, however organisers would like to expand this to see tourists attending the market.
Many of the local food products, arts and crafts will make excellent souvenirs, making the market an interesting shopping stop for both cruise ship and stay-over visitors.

Ms McField revealed that organisers “are looking to work with other organisations to increase the profile of the market among visitors to Cayman.

“In many other Caribbean countries the open air markets are a major tourist attraction. I know I always head to a market when I visit Cuba or other islands.”

Ms Bigelman added: “We would like to bring tourists to Market Cayman so that they can mix with the locals, as there are hardly any events or places where tourists can meet and speak with the locals.”

Market Cayman is providing a real boost to this area of George Town. The market will be open this Saturday from 7 am to 6 pm.

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