Disabled Roadside Vendor Catches the Eye of Social Services Minister

A local entrepreneur diagnosed with cerebral palsy is pushing forward and maximizing his potential in the country’s newly established mask industry.

Forty-six-year-old Donald Martin, in a motorized scooter, sells masks to children and adults on Farrington Road, between Eden and Hibiscus Streets.

His roadside operation caught the attention of Social Services Minister Frankie Campbell, who while returning from a meeting, saw Martin and made a few purchases.

“Mr. Martin should serve as an inspiration for all persons because there he is with what some people may consider a legitimate excuse or reason – if he wanted it to be one – to not take advantage of this growing industry due to the fact that he is living with a disability,” Campbell said.

Mr. Martin said he is thankful for the opportunity for entrepreneurship and said his disability will not limit him.

“I thank God for life. You have some up days when business is booming and then you have some days when business is not as good as the others, but in all things, you give thanks to God.

“I have never given up on life because everybody has some challenges in life; you just have to be able to put them aside.

Moved by Martin’s entrepreneurial pursuit, Campbell said Martin serves as a motivation.

“He is out here assisting himself, taking full advantage of an opportunity for entrepreneurship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and a government decision to place some restrictions on the importation of masks at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in The Bahamas, and instead offer those opportunities to Bahamian entrepreneurs.”

Martin also offers digital services. Campbell said his ministry will help to “empower him.”