In countries like the Dominican Republic, older people lack effective protection from the State. That is the reason that forces them to look for mechanisms to obtain resources and thus survive.
This is the case of Doña María Féliz, who despite her 68 years has to go out to the streets to work in the informal market to earn a daily living, but when there is an event that disrupts her daily life, she cannot afford to stay at home.
An example of not being able to stay at home are these rainy days and some take advantage of it to stay at home, but Doña María must find money to be able to feed herself. With her voice almost “inaudible of hers” she offers “roasted” or sausage corn to those who move along the highway that connects the Barahona province with the city of Santo Domingo, communities in the region and other southern provinces . Her “livelihood” is located on an improvised table placed in the community of Habanero, belonging to Pescadería, Barahona province. It not only sells corn and fruit, but also crabmeat, shrimp, even food (plantains, bananas, cassava, sweet potatoes) and other agricultural items, to its potential customers who move along this strategic route that connects a large part of the South with other parts of the country.
Impact of the rains
Doña María Féliz has been in the business of selling corn for more than fifteen years, her main offer, although she also offers various fruits and as she says: “whatever appears”, to eat or buy her medicines.
However, the woman, who lives in a vulnerable area, admits that the rains disrupt her business.
He explains that when the rain begins he must collect everything, so depending on the intensity or durability of the waters, he must leave it for the next day, because vehicular traffic tends to be reduced, since drivers are his potential buyers of his products. .
“It has not gone well for me these days, I sell very little. When it rains I have to pick up, but once it’s clear I’ll come back with my corn, my fruit and whatever appears”, says Doña María regarding the recent downpours.
Maria has no other option, because “ultimately” it is her only livelihood to feed herself and buy the necessary medicines to preserve her health.