Charles Barron, aka ‘The Mask Boss’, sells reusable masks on Bridge Street.
IF you are walking by the corner of Bridge Street and St. Michael’s Row and you reach the traffic lights, you might encounter the “Mask Boss”. Despite that ominous moniker, the street vendor, Charles Barron, is ensuring that all Barbadians and visitors are protected from COVID-19.
Yesterday, The Barbados Advocate spoke to Barron, who was busy showing his wide variety of colourful masks to Bridgetown shoppers. The ex-footballer (South Wales) from Carrington Village, St. Michael, told this newspaper that initially, he used to sell plantains, but transitioned to selling reusable masks.
“I connected to my family living in Manhattan who already in this business... All I had to tell them is this is what I want, and we started to do a little hustle, me, my mother and brother…” said Barron.
His brother “Number One Mask Man” also sells masks, but on a different street in the City. On his display rack, Barron estimated that there are about 300 masks and his masks range from $5 to $10. Some masks carry the design of the Barbados national flag. His memorable name has captured the attention of many visitors who post their encounter online with “The Mask Boss”.
It is difficult to comprehend that two years ago, no one other than a medical practitioner or health official would be wearing a face mask. Today, it is as common as wearing a pair of shoes. Most people feel weird if they leave the house without one. As most of the world including Barbados adapt to mask-wearing, whether disposable or reusable, masks have become a necessity.
Disposable masks harm the environment
In April 2020, China was producing 450 million medical masks daily (Statista). The 3M company, which produces N95 masks, indicated last year that demand exceeds production capacity. But disposable masks are expensive and potentially harmful to the environment.
Most people who use disposable masks, throw them away and in some situations, they are discarded without care. This results in masks left in the waterways to float into the sea. Environmental advocates are reporting that masks are polluting shorelines and oceans. These masks are not biodegradable and usually contain toxic chemicals and bacteria.