GBPA officially welcomes fish and conch vendors at Goombay Park

By GBPA

(Left to right) Mrs. Ginger Moxey, Vice President - GBPA; Mr. Hannes Babak, Chairman – GBPA, and Mr. Ian Rolle, President - GBPA.

Freeport, Bahamas - Grand Bahama Port Authority Limited (GBPA) executives were on hand Saturday to officially welcome licenced fish and conch vendors to a temporary site at Goombay Park.

In support of the vendors’ relocation, Mr. Hannes Babak, Chairman – GBPA; Mr. Ian Rolle – President – GBPA; and Mrs. Ginger Moxey, Vice President - GBPA, prepared and served conch salad to scores of residents who turned out for complimentary samplings.

“We’re excited about the idea of a new Farmers Market here on Grand Bahama. Until plans are finalized, we’ve temporarily relocated vendors from the Grand Union parking lot to this spot, complete with running water and electricity. Now they’re all here, with upgraded amenities, to better serve the Grand Bahama community,” said Mr. Babak as he mixed the native delicacy.

The event’s success was established when all five of the vendors present declared they were completely sold out of fully-stocked supplies.

“This complimentary sampling was an excellent idea by GBPA,” said fish and conch vendor, Mr. Wilfred Douglas. “It has created a buzz in the community. People came out here in droves, even more than we expected. There were our regular customers and lots of new faces. Now everyone knows where to find us,” Mr. Douglas said whilst gesturing towards the waiting crowds.

Mrs. Ginger Moxey, Vice President – GBPA (right) distributes complimentary conch salad to scores of residents.

 Vendor, Mr. Jermaine Plakaris, concurred. “I feel strongly that this new venue is going to catch on. When you compare here with our former location, there’s no comparison. GBPA has provided running water, electricity and there’s access to the restrooms. People will always be afraid of change initially, but I think we’re going to succeed here,” Plakaris added.

Both vendors were in agreement with president Ian Rolle’s comment on the temporary site.

 Mr. Ian Rolle, President - GBPA. (centre) serves it up as relocated vendors prepare complimentary conch salad at Goombay Park

 “Through this venture, GBPA has created one central location for all of the vendors. Additionally, it provides greater convenience for consumers who no longer have to travel from spot to spot searching for fish and conch. They can now find everything here in one place,” Mr. Rolle commented.

Fish vendor Mr. Sean Johnson, was the first to register for a spot at the temporary site and eagerly awaits further information on the proposed project. “I have a vision, big plans,” he declared “and I’m just waiting to hear GBPA’s final decision on the exact location for the new Farmers Market to bring them to fruition.”