In an interview with The Freeport News yesterday, BAIC Handicraft Officer Chala Cartwright said because of the overwhelming response from the public and a great demand from local straw manufacturers during the first straw training course, the BAIC will be conducting two sessions each day on October 16 ﾖ October 26. The first session begins at 10 a.m. -ﾖ 2 p.m. and the second session from 4 p.m. ﾖ 8 p.m.
Participants of the course are required to pay a small fee of $50, for which they will be taught how to plait, stitch, identify and process straw strings from the bush. They will also make bags, baskets, place mats, portfolios and wallets.
Cartwright said the main objective of the programme is to train persons in the production of Bahamian-made products, utilizing natural resources.
Last year’s programme was so successful that, according to the number of persons they now have registering for it, that the course had to be split into two sessions to accommodate all of the persons interested.
“We find that there is a great demand in Grand Bahama for plaits,” Cartwright said. “We are trying to get some of our participants to realize that not everyone can make the bags, but if you can perfect the plaiting, then you can supply the plaits to the bag makers and there are about seven well-known plaits out there.”
Adena Miller from New Providence will be coming back as instructor for the sessions, Cartwright said.
“Last year we graduated 26 persons,” she added. “This year, we are doubling it and still have persons whom we cannot accommodate. So definitely the demand is there, the market is there.”
Cartwright said emphasis is being placed on training of plaiters because in the past, plaiters from Long Island were called on to supply what was needed. Cartwright added that it is high time for Grand Bahamians to supply the plaits that local manufacturers need by taking advantage of the programme, which will also help to strengthen the tourism industry by promoting Bahamian-made souvenirs.
For too long, she said, cruise passengers travelling to the various Caribbean islands have discovered the same types of souvenirs being presented to them, but with different labels.
“We need the monies to come out of the pockets of those tourists,” Cartwright said “The only way we are going to get it is if we offer authentic Baha-mian-made products that they cannot find anywhere else.”
Cartwright said straw plaiting should be seen as a way of maintaining or preserving our cultural heritage, especially among women. She said there are a number of people in the programme who do not want to become straw manufacturers, but are taking it to increase their knowledge of plaiting.
“Some of them are so fascinated about going into High Rock and finding the spot where the Silver Top is located, picking it, buying it and plaiting it. This is amazing,” she said. “Without a doubt, this is the way for us to preserve our Bahamian culture.”
For a long time, straw plaiting has been viewed as something old ladies did as a pastime and not so much as a lucrative business by younger folks.
Interested persons are invited to register at BAIC’s office in the National Insurance building.
By LISA S. KING, Freeport News
