Do you think of Haitian STREET Vendors as Entrepreneurs?

In Haiti, jobs are rare and many Haitian men and women resort hustling in the streets for a living. Do you think of them as entrepreneurs or something else?

We call them "Ti Machann" and most of us do not respect them for what they do for a living.

We have a tendency to respect the Haitian doctors, lawyers, even the "NOTAIRE", yes... a notary public, a service that is available at every post office and every UPS store in America, but is a really BIG deal in Haiti, but we have no respect for the "Machann Fresco" and the young man in the street corner selling phone cards for a living.

Who do you think makes more money in Haiti?

a) A bank teller who wears a white shirt and a tie to work everyday or...

b) A "machann fresco" (he who sells FRESCO in the streets) who makes money every time he scratches a layer off the block of ice.

While I will agree with you that spending a whole day in the hot sun in Haiti is not the most ideal way to make a living, it is a business nonetheless...

Many kids in Haiti go to school because of what these hardworking people do everyday...

Like Djakout Mizik says... Sa Se Biznis Pam... Watch this video...

I don't think anyone who is a "PHILOSOPHE" in Haiti dreams of selling FRESCO in the streets for a living but the question is not about that...

The question is about the employees in Haiti Vs. the micro entrepreneurs who are not well respected in Haitian society.

No one really respects the plumbers (aka bayakou), the cab drivers (aka chofe camionette), or any other businesses that are not linked to being "highly educated"

The question again is...

Do you think of Haitians Street Vendors and Businessmen as Entrepreneurs?

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All Comments (17)

Kess says...

So you're justifying having a lighter complexion as a good thing?

The darker your skin the more benefits your body

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Kess says...

Yes they are! Strong

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Richelle says...

They do not curse you if you look at their merchandises, and do not buy anything.

I have been cursed in Haiti, and even called a thief for browsing in downtown Port au Prince

You telling the truth, haitian do not understand the meaning of customer service.They running their own show, last time I almost get into it with one.I was touching something suddenly she grab it from my hands like I'm thief and start talking shit to me.she was lucky that day I was with other friend who do not like zin.Some of the dirty street vendors are

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Richelle says...

Why haitian go to Dominican republican to stay. To me dominican republic just more organize, clean,safe and have more light complexion than haiti.

I do not see what is good about that place to go andure hard life there.

It is not like USA, You can work for big money and have a better life than haiti.

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Joyce says...

Everyone needs to be treated with respect.

You do not appreciate how hard another persons job is until you do it yourself

as long as they are working is all that counts...Here is to PEACE AND PROSPERITY.

KEEP SMILILING THE WORLD NEEDS MORE HAPPY

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Jean Mirville says...

The street vendors are entrepreneurs but they are not businessmen.

Most of these vendors worked for years for small change.

A ti macham stays a ti macham.

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Josy says...

I have no issues whatsoever with a person who is trying to make some money to feed, and educate his children.

Those small merchants are sending their children to school, and even Universities.

The lady my mom use to buy earings from at the market has a son who became a doctor, and her other children are all professionals from selling small items on the sidewalk.

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Garry Destin says...

I was there two weeks ago and as ma said it needs to be regulated.

They take over the sidewalks and the streets leave no room for even people to walk by.
Cars are weaving through them. It is really a hazardous situation.

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Sergo Jean says...

Yes, se gracs a mounn sa yo ki fe nou gen filozof men kom gen kek ayisyen ki pa vle mounn konnen cote yo soti paske yo pito viv sou blof san reconet ki mounn ki fe .pou mwen majorite profese, senate,depute, prezidan e ot soti de ti machann sa yo, men malerezman le neg sa yo vinn chef yo pa deside organize mounn yo ki se machann yopou yo ka gen yon meye plas pou vann produi yo.mwen cre pouvoi destructe yo ki se leta ayisyen doue fe efo pou organize mounn sa yo pandan ke yap constri des complex pou loue machann yo pou yo ka travese nan etap ki

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Benaja says...

I absolutely think so, the street merchants are the driving force of what little economic vitality that exists.

They are everywhere, in every corner selling anything and everything.

They return day after day even changing post if they feel it will better their profits.

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