WESTERN BUREAU:

Mark Brown, 12

"Wata! Wata!" shouts vibrant 12-year-old Mark Brown of Montego Bay, St James, hurrying to his customers as they stop at the traffic light along the Howard Cooke Boulevard in the Second City.

While some youngsters his age may have the luxury to play or hang out with friends after school, Mark has to help his father sell refreshments every day - even on holidays.

His sparkling brown eyes beamed with pride when he was asked what would be on his Christmas wish list.

"I would want a hand-held game, something to that effect. Nothing too big, just something I can play with from time to time," Mark responded.

The Albion Primary and Junior High School student explained that while he would much rather spend time with his friends after classes, or even during the holidays, he has to suspend those desires as he has a role to play in helping his dad.

"How much fi a bottle a wata?" a customer asked during Mark's chat with The Gleaner.

"Fifty dollar," Mark quickly answered, continuing to watch if there were other thirsty customers.

The youngster has mapped out his routine. He swiftly lets customers know the price of goods, without hesitation, and efficiently serves them before the traffic light changes to green.

Mark, who has been selling at the traffic lights since sixth grade, is a consummate salesman, who wins over his customers with his affable personality.

Thorn Walker, 12

As the Christmas rush approaches, customers who shop within the vicinity of the Charles Gordon Market may see an unassuming, but friendly, 12-year-old Thorn Walker, who is committed to helping his parents sell their wares during the holidays.

Standing before a handcart neatly packed with an array of fabric, Thorn helps his father roll yards of cloth on to a piece of cardboard in preparation for sale on this mobile shop.

Like an obedient son, he listens keenly to the instructions of his father, as his mother comes along to assist.

Though Thorn helps his parents on Saturdays and during the holidays, he does not seem to mind the task.

"The holidays is about giving, so I guess, in a way, if I can help my parents out during this period, then that is not a problem," he said, smiling.

A student of William Knibb Memorial High School in Trelawny, who resides in St James, he sported a shy but pleasant smile, ashe spoke of his wish for this Christmas.

"A laptop, because this could help me with my schoolwork," the young man said after a long pause.