Garapan Street Market unveiled

With the slowdown in the island’s tourism economy, Garapan, the island’s main commercial district, has seen a decline in business activity. But beginning Dec. 2 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the “little Ginza” will have a new face with the establishment of a Garapan Street Market.

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio and Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan commended efforts of various government agencies and the private sector to help revive the ailing tourism industry.

Rhoda Smith, chair of the committee, said the street market will be held every Thursday of the week to allow the farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs to sell their products to tourists and residents. Sale of alcohol is prohibited.

The outdoor market, she said, may be used as a venue for social causes to set up their booths and raise funds on a regular basis as well as solicit volunteers.

Smith assured the governor and the lieutenant governor that the committee consulted with businesses in the area to inform them that the street market hopes to expand the current tourist market base they currently enjoy.

During the meeting, she asked the governor’s help in getting the assistance of the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. to provide electricity every week for the night market.

Organizers of the Garapan Street Market have envisioned a market that is similar to those seen around the world — clean, safe, easy to set up and the area wide enough for people to walk along and view the items on display.

Smith said originally the committee would like to provide a uniform tent for businesses but with limited funds, the vendors would be allowed to set up their own booths.

Based on the plan, the Marianas Visitors Authority will be the responsible agency for the Garapan Street Market. The Department of Public Safety will close the Third Street in the Garapan area.

While strongly opposing the idea of having unregulated roadside businesses due to health and safety reasons, Mayor Jose C. Sablan said he has always believed that a parcel of land must be set aside to allow people to conduct this type of activity.

In drafting the rules and regulations for the street market, Andrew Salas, administrator of the Alcohol and Beverage office of the Department of Commerce, said they also made sure that consumers and vendors are both protected.

“We don’t want anybody coming in there selling drugs and alcohol. We want to make sure that it is a safe and clean,” he said.