A Night in Scarborough

A Night in Scarborough

Cordell McClure-00042857

Jour 123

It is quickly becoming a nightly tradition in the Tobago’s capital. After a hard day’s work, many head to Scarborough to visit one of the many fast food outlets that line Milford Road. But these are not just your regular outlets; they are makeshift kitchens, on wheels in some cases, serving up many of your favourite delicacies.

As the sun goes down in the horizon, the padlocks on the mostly metal housings are opened and fires lit, signalling the opening of the kitchens. It wouldn’t be long before customers begin converging around their favourite cooks. On an average night in Scarborough, you are likely to get, Jamaican Jerk, Burgers, Hot Dogs, Gyros and even some stewed pork if you are lucky. Many of these vendors remain open until the wee hours of the morning-hoping to catch hungry party-goers.

One such vendor is Rita Ragoonan, a Trinidadian woman who has decided to seize this business opportunity in Tobago. She admits that business on the streets at nights is very competitive, but noted that it is a means of survival. “They have many people selling the same kinda thing, it is up to me to make sure my customers are happy,” Ragoonan said. Even as she added a dash of ketchup to her now popular burgers, the cook by profession revealed that her secret is to ensure your products are tasty along with excellent customer service. “I do whatever it takes to make my customers happy,” she reiterated.

Despite the savoury dishes available at nights, there is one thought that is not so palatable- the hygienic conditions under which these vendors operate. Checks to these outlets revealed that most of them had no form of toilet facilities. There is also a limited amount of clean water available. In fact, many of these vendors cook with water stored in containers. “I go over to the Esplanade whenever I want to go,” one vendor said. Another told us that she does whatever is necessary before she comes out to work.

The food badges issued by the Health Department are usually on prominent display in these booths. It is not clear though, how many checks are done on these facilities and how often. This however, seems to be of little concern to those who flock these food outlets at night. Their only concern is to get a taste of their favourite food and satisfy their craving.

A vendor prepares some burgers for her customers.

Photo; Cordell McClure