Robert Lalah, Staff Reporter
SOME BUSINESS operators across the Corporate Area have predicted a less than lucrative Christmas season this year, based primarily on the effects of Hurricane Ivan which hit the island in September and the spiralling crime rate that continues to affect several commercial districts.
The manager of a major furniture and appliance store in the heart of downtown Kingston yesterday expressed a grim expectation for the season. "I really am not looking for anything much this year. The hurricane is one of the reasons but the major reason is the crime rate," he said.
SHOPPERS SHUN DOWNTOWN
Turning to face a store with no customers, he added, "This is how it has been for some time now. People aren't coming to downtown like they once did. We normally extend opening hours during the season but I'm not sure that will even be necessary this year."
The mood was the same in the normally bustling Constant Spring area. A female supervisor at a popular clothing store, said she holds little hope for a profitable season. "I've been here for five years now and with each passing year, the Christmas season gets slower and slower. I don't even want to imagine what this year will be like, with the hurricane and all," she said.
Store owners were not the only ones with dismal expectations for the season, however, as just next door at a popular shopping arcade, the predictions were the same.
NO MONEY
"Well it still early, but I not putting my mind on anything too good this year at all. The people dem don't have nuh money. Times tuff," said 47-year-old Elmira James, a vendor in the arcade.
As other vendors gathered to lament on the situation, a lone voice stuck out, with an opinion that differed greatly from the others. An opinion which by the silence it induced, seemed to put the situation into perspective for the rest.
The voice was that of 67-year-old grandmother, Sheila Boothe, who appeared without notice with words that brought her to tears.
"Unnu too ungrateful, a talk bout times tuff. All a you alive and well. Give God thanks and be grateful. If times did really tuff none a we wouldn't be here. Everybody only care bout money. Yes money important but you must be grateful for every little thing. Plenty people out there worse off than unnu," said the unassuming woman as a single tear trickled down her wrinkled cheek.
