President Danny Faure received three well-known vendors at Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market in Victoria at State House this morning, Mr Ahlone Ho-Yuen Chen, Mr Roch Mathiot, and Mrs May Mélanie. Ahead of Labour Day, the President said that he wanted to meet examples of dedicated, long-serving workers, describing the three vendors as ‘pillars of Victoria Market’.

The President thanked Mr Ho-Yuen Chen, Mr Mathiot and Mrs Mélanie for their hard work and contribution to the development of the country, and praised them for the consistent service they offer their customers at the market.

Mr Ahlone Ho-Yuen Chen started working at the market at just 13 years old with his father, and has been working there for over 55 years. Just as he learnt about the business with his father, Mr Ho-Yuen Chen has similarly trained his son to take over from him. He said that he is very pleased with the Agriculture Ministry’s plans to renovate the market and improve the infrastructure.

Mrs May Mélanie has been working since the age of 14 years, and has been based in Victoria Market for over 32 years. She shared her background with the President, and how she used to work in Government and at the market on Saturdays, before eventually becoming a vendor full-time.

Mr Roch Mathiot started work as a handyman at 16 years old. He shared with the President how he used to be the handyman at State House in the Governor’s time. He has been working for 47 years at Victoria Market.

Discussing what message they would like to share with the young generation, Mr Ho-Yuen Chen, Mrs Mélanie and Mr Mathiot stressed on the importance of working hard, and embracing the various opportunities that are available, in sectors like farming and agriculture.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, the three vendors expressed their pride and satisfaction at having been invited to State House by the President and said that they shared a good discussion with him. They said that they will continue working hard at the Victoria Market.