 For the first time ever, vendors in Souffre have banded to form an association to represent and bargain on their behalf. On Monday, May 1st, the association was officially launched with a member of parliament for Souffre-François-Jacques Emma Hippolit informing members that a sizable donation would be made to the association. If I have 90 vendors or 91 vendors then I can get $45,500 from my CDP allocation and touch the lives and touch the homes of 91 vendors. So that is what you're launching this association. That is what you're doing. The association has entered into a partnership with the Francais-Jacques Credit Union in an effort to ensure that its members are able to save. Each vendor will receive $500 from the funds allocated by the member of parliament. The monies will be deposited into an account for each vendor at the Francais-Jacques Credit Union. The Souffre Original Development Foundation 2 has pledged its support to the newly formed association. Chairman of the SRDF, Ernest Auger, advised vendors to treat their craft like they would a business. He says vendors are a critical part of the tourism industry and as such, they need to ensure that they always aspire to leave positive impressions on those they interact with. The association is what sells this country. Even before the products you offer, how you deal with them, how you interact with them, how you speak with them, how you liaise with them is what sells this country. First and foremost, the product comes afterwards. In the end, the association received donations from both the member of parliament and the Souffre Original Development Foundation. And we have a big check from SRDF. The president of the Souffre Vendors Association, Theresa Prosper, explains that all vendors, craft, events and provision will benefit from being part of the association and the networks that will be formed. Our minister, Honourable Emma Heapolite, has agreed to sit and discuss with us to not only bring back our street party, the Souffre, but to make it better for you and the people of Souffre. Souffre Regional Development Foundation has decided to place credit card machines at every vending point to help our vendors so that they won't miss out on sales, being that most stories only work with cards. Let us give them a hand of applause for the presentation. Not forgetting you, my market vendors. Thank you for always providing us with your produce. We, as the executive, have an ongoing discussion to start an annual market festival in the month of October to showcase your item and also incorporate a food cook off during this time. The association currently represents 91 members. From the Souffre Regional Development Foundation, I am Geneva Gonzaga.