Latest update October 20th, 2026 11:34 AM
Guyana’s oldest newspaper vendor is 94
– Recalls when papers were sold for eight cents apiece
Born on September 10, 1922, Ismay Simpson, also known as “Maria” is said to be the oldest
94-year-old newspaper vendor Ismay Simpson
newspapers vendor around. With decades of experience “hustling papers,” on the streets of Georgetown under her belt, one would think that Simpson, who recently celebrated her 94th birth anniversary, is at the age of retirement but she begs to differ.
During a recent interview at Kaieteur News Saffon Street Office, the little old lady, emphasized that “selling the news is what keeps her going.”
“I like selling the papers. I was involved in this business for so long. I used to sell Chronicle and Stabroek newspaper for years then Kaieteur News start up. I start doing business with them until now,” Simpson said.
The elderly woman explained that as a newspaper vendor, she raised her three children and put them through school.
“I was a single mother and I had to do something. So I start selling de papers to sustain my family. I stick with it.”
Simpson noted, however, that the work does not yield much financially.” Like with everything, some days we sell plenty and some days business slow but it still bring in something to keep me going. “
The New Amsterdam Berbice native recalled that back in the day when L.F. S Burnham (Guyana’s first Executive President) used to be walking about, she was selling newspapers.
“At that time, papers de cost about eight cents apiece. Back in dem times papers de selling cheap cheap!”
The 94-year-old recounted that she sold at various points on Regent, Robb and Camp Streets.
The woman noted that many people knew her from that area, “all the newspaper people know me.”
However due to her age, Simpson operates her business out of her Russell Street, Charlestown home, where she resides with her son and grandchild.
She said that her son now helps with the business.
“My son would go and buy the papers in the morning and help distribute to couple business people, who order the papers.”
The elderly woman stressed that although selling papers is “not big business,” she has earned an honest and decent livelihood from it and will continue to do it for as long as she possibly can.
( Rehanna Ramsay)
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