Navigating Competition: Agricola’s Shopkeepers on the Chinese Supermarket Debate

By Michelle Ann Joseph- A coin has two sides, and similarly, stories are viewed from varying perspectives. The issue of the shopkeepers’ plight in Agricola Village, in relation to the prominence of a Chinese establishment, is seen differently by various individuals in the neighborhood.

One shopkeeper remains adamant that the Chinese store should not open, fearing it will take away customers and jeopardise their livelihood. However, other shop owners hold differing opinions.

Village Voice News contacted some of the shopkeepers and asked for their views on a new supermarket in the area. The majority responded with, “Everybody has to live, whether they are here or not,” and seemed unbothered by the prospect.

One prominent shopkeeper noted, “What is for you is for you; my customers come from as far as West Demerara.” For her, contentment was the key to sustaining her livelihood.

Other vendors emphasized that despite the presence of many bread, food, pastry, and vegetarian vendors, they all manage to carve out a daily income without hassle. They acknowledged that while profits might not be substantial, “little is better than nothing.” Their sentiments also reflected a shared faith in God.

While there is much talk about local shops struggling to compete with Chinese supermarkets, some individuals praised these establishments for opening early and closing late, offering a wide variety of goods. However, on the other hand, people have voiced demands for Chinese vendors to issue receipts, pay National Insurance for their employees, and comply with Guyana’s laws and regulations.

This is indeed a complex issue in a country with free enterprise. Some locals appreciate the convenience of Chinese stores, while others argue that it should be “Guyanese first,” resisting what they perceive as a “Chinese takeover”—a concern laden with stereotypes about mass-produced, inferior goods and an assumption that Chinese businesses are merely “takers.” These are the opinions shared with Village Voice News.

It is essential to clarify that these views reflect the sentiments of those interviewed by Village Voice News, and this newspaper is not attacking any specific group or race. The relevant authorities are urged to engage the affected Guyanese communities and conduct a comprehensive analysis to identify the root causes of these concerns.

To promote unity and economic prosperity for all Guyanese, the voices of the people must be heard. Some may feel indifferent, but others are truly hurting. While some advocate for integrating the Chinese into the fabric of the community, others see them as outsiders taking from the local population.

Jamaica’s motto, “Out of Many, One People,” offers a valuable lesson. The history of Jamaica tells us that after slavery was abolished, Chinese immigrants established businesses that grew into major entities over time. Through consistent protest and efforts for national unity, some integrations have been achieved.

Today, there is the forging of a Chinese-Jamaican community through intermarriages, acceptance of the country’s laws, music, food, and culture. The acknowledgement of this progress does not ignore existing tensions and efforts to maintain the Jamaican identity. It reaffirms, however, the determination of people and willingness of government to create the space for mutual respect and peaceful co-existence.

Guyana could learn some best practices from its CARICOM counterpart.