Agricola Shopkeepers Fight for Survival Amid Foreign Competition

By Michelle Ann Joseph- Within the past month, shopkeepers in Agricola have raised alarms in a bid to save their livelihoods. This distress comes in response to the looming arrival of a new Chinese-owned establishment, which is allegedly preparing to open its doors. The concerns stem from the fear that this new business could severely impact local shops that have been serving the community for years.

Agricola, a village known for its numerous grocery and hardware shops lining both its streets and the main carriageway, relies on these family-run stores for a range of essential services. These small businesses sell groceries, hardware items, cooking gas, bottled water, and even offer mobile money services, which allow residents to pay utility bills, send and receive funds, and access other financial services. These local shops serve not only the villagers but also the surrounding areas, creating a tightly-knit commercial system.

The shopkeepers are now questioning why there is such a surge in Chinese supermarkets being established in close proximity to each other. While they acknowledge the principles of free enterprise, they argue that local businesses are losing both income and customers to foreign competitors. For them, the issue is not simply one of competition but a matter of survival.

A major concern expressed by these shop owners is that the traditional family- and community-oriented business model is becoming extinct. For decades, Agricola’s shops have operated under a relationship-based system that fosters community trust—allowing customers to “shop now, pay later” or make smaller payments when funds are tight. In contrast, the shopkeepers note that Chinese-owned businesses rarely offer such flexibility. At these establishments, even if a customer is short on money, they cannot take out an item or defer payment, a stark departure from the way local shops have supported their patrons through difficult times.

On September 30^th last, the shopkeepers of Agricola organised a peaceful protest on the Main Road. Their message was clear: they are advocating for a fair share in trade and commerce within Guyana. They are urging the government, the Private Sector Commission, the Small Business Association, and other influential bodies to take their concerns seriously and not ignore the challenges local small businesses are facing across the country.

During the protest, demonstrators held placards with slogans like “Save Our Shops,” “Chinese Takeover—Guyanese Businesses Need a Break,” and “Buy Local, Build Guyana.” These slogans echoed their desire to preserve local commerce and strengthen Guyanese-owned businesses. Despite the economic pressures, the protesters maintained a peaceful stance, emphasizing that they are not against competition but are seeking a level playing field where local shops are not overshadowed by foreign establishments.

The shopkeepers are committed to continuing their peaceful demonstrations until their voices are heard. They hope to find solutions that will enable them to sustain their businesses, protect the unique heritage of community-oriented commerce, and ultimately foster a more inclusive and unified business environment in Guyana.

Their plea is simple: Save our Mom and Pop Shops! Preserve our heritage!