Good Morning. My name is Alexandrio Morley and I am an independent candidate for the Englerston community. I am here today to unveil the One Africa! One Nation! Marketplace — a community economic development initiative that my campaign is spearheading. This initiative will allow the people of the Englerston to create their own jobs and generate their own resources.
The people of Englerston live in the very heart of this island yet there is no collective economic development plan for the community. In addition to this, the people of Englerston, like those in many communities worldwide, are faced with a deteriorating capitalist based social system that has led to job losses, high rates of unemployment, failing businesses, endemic poverty and crime.
The time has now come for the people of Englerston to reverse these conditions by building and working in our own interests and not in the interests of people who are only concerned about making money that never benefits the people of the community and for a system that doesn't care about the people of the community. As your next Member of Parliament for Englerston I intend to ensure that the people of Englerston democratically and collectively control the politics and economics of their community.
I intend to do this by actually spearheading economic development initiatives in Englerston that focus on meeting the needs and promoting the well-being of the people. This is exactly the purpose of the One Africa! One Nation! Marketplace.
It will provide a place where people within the community can sell goods and services that may not be accessible to the traditional market. It is also a way to create jobs and generate resources within the community in the face of an ever-declining economy. Undoubtedly, to be self-sustaining is becoming mandatory for survival.
Vendors at the Marketplace will pay a vending fee, which has been set at very affordable rates — $60.00 (for a full booth) or $35.00 (for a half booth). I have also extended a down payment plan where potential vendors can pay $10.00 weekly for a booth up until the event. There will be no limit to the type of items that can be sold.
There has already been interest from several persons within the community as well as from outside the community for this vending opportunity.
Resources for the Marketplace are being borne by my campaign and also through a One Africa! One Nation! Raffle initiative that many small and medium sized businesses throughout the community have donated to. I would really like to thank them publicly for taking part in this community initiative.
The One Africa! One Nation! Marketplace will also provide education, entertainment, and a traditional way of "social networking." It is essentially a family event, and so families will be encouraged to come out and enjoy the festivities. There will be a bouncing castle for children and also face painting.
Performers, Poets, and Speakers are also being encouraged to come out and participate in this community event.
The Marketplace is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 29, November 26, December 17, and January 28. It will be held on Podoleo Street (between Robinson Road and Balfour Avenue) in the Englerston community from 11am-7pm.
My long term goal is the establishment of a permanent year round Marketplace that will enable the people of the community to meet their basic needs and live a more wholesome and dignified life.
