R. A Bailey holds its ground against winds of change
Friday, May 04, 2018
At every strategic intersection in the village, a new shiny mall is rising, millions of Pula being spent on modern designs and finishes. The billboards and insignia of trendy retail brands are emblazoned at the malls, indicative of the fierce competition being waged for the hearts and minds of consumers.
Standing quietly in the midst of the retail storm is a 122-year-old business that dates back to the early days of the Central District village. R. A Bailey was amongst the first businesses to open in Palapye, being a small outlet offering limited services to an equally small rural farming community.
Acting Agriculture Minister, Edwin Dikoloti, is right in saying opening an export-ready facility whilst Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is still spreading would risk getting the whole country blacklisted before a single carcass leaves the door.A ban like that would break the already stressed nation. So, the postponement, painful as it is, is the right thing to do. The local economy is being squeezed from both ends. FMD has already slammed the door...