Court Street merchants last week toasted the success of a July 25 open-air market with a giveaway of prizes to shoppers – including a 65-inch TV donated by an area business.

Gary Augustus, one of the organisers and proprietor of the Soul Food Grill & Café, said the market generated more than $12,000 in sales for the shoppers’ raffle.

Originally planned as a community festival, the event had to be scaled down to meet Covid-19 regulations.

But Mr Augustus said organisers were waiting for the island to open up for a similar pedestrian event bringing jazz to Court Street.

He condemned a shooting incident that took place several hours after the festival in which two 19-year-old men were wounded but added: “Things like that don’t speak for what this area is really about. It’s a vibrant place.

“Tourists came up to see the neighbourhood, there was a good mixed crowd, and we were all pleased to see foot traffic that we haven’t had in a long time because of the pandemic.”

Mr Augustus added: “What was most exciting was the number of young entrepreneurs that came out – not only as vendors but also as customers and supporters of the event overall.

“We even had young vendors that expressed interest in our next event. I think this speaks volumes to the fact that our youth have much to offer our country and we need to continue to support them by hosting events such as the Court Street Market.”

To get involved or to help sponsor future events, e-mail courtstreetevents@gmail.com.