Steadfast in their commitment to promoting Bahamian entrepreneurship, the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) showed off the works of local manufacturing company Esor Garments when they toured the facility yesterday.
Being the Government agency responsible for encouraging business ownership in the domestic sector, BAIC Assistant General Manager H. Rudy Sawyer said they are demonstrating this mandated support in the most tangible way by contracting the local manufacturer to produce shirts and blouses for BAIC staff.
“Today it is a proud moment for us to be here to receive these garments from Esor Garment Manufacturing Company,” he said.
Explaining that Esor was established in Freeport back in 2000, Sawyer proudly noted that they continue to survive the expected and unexpected hurdles of a developing business.
“They have been successful in sewing garments for a number of larger businesses on Grand Bahama and have even done work for some of the Family Islands,” he said.
Sawyer said that Esor is a long standing client of BAIC, which received its assistance in the preparation of their business.
He said one of the most important arrangements made by BAIC was for Esor staff to receive technical training in garment manufacturing by being attached to a company based in Barbados.
“Although some of the government agencies, inclusive of the police department have had some of their uniform and garment requirements made by Esor, I take this opportunity to encourage others to seriously consider Esor when they order next,” he said. “Their quality is of a high standard and their prices are competitively advantageous.”
Manager Madlyn Bowe noted that BAIC was very instrumental in the company’s development and continues to be.
She added that she would encourage anybody looking to start a business to seek assistance from BAIC.
“BAIC has been helpful in the inception of this business and they continue to stand alongside us in promoting not only in Grand Bahama, but The Bahamas as well,” she said.
Bowe explained the company, which started on a small scale producing uniforms for government agencies like the police department, has since grown to include numerous other private clients.
“On average, we make about 10 to 12 pieces depending on what the garment is because some are a bit more challenging than others,” she said. “I would say that we produce about 50 to 60 pieces per month.”
Describing the clothing contract as a vehicle to promote Bahamian entrepreneurs, Assistant Manager of the Business Service Department Yvette O’Conno said its goal is to positively impact the local business community of Grand Bahama.
“This was a proposal completed by myself and I was assisted by Sharon Bowe in trying to get it together,” she said. “In the overall development of this project and any project I deal with, it is always my desire to see the individuals become successful entrepreneurs.”
By ANGELO ARMBRISTER, Freeport News Reporter
