In times past it was advertised as world famous and historic, an absolute must on a list of stops for visitors who wanted “genuine” Bahamian artifacts and souvenirs to take home as a reminder of their visit to New Providence and to The Bahamas.
This all changed dramatically on Sept. 4, 2001 when fire swept through the straw market and Ministry of Tourism complex, displacing the more than 600 vendors.
Almost immediately the straw vendors and craft artisans were placed in temporary quarters under a massive tent at the end of Bay Street, but almost four years later they are still occupying those temporary facilities, which every day prove to be inadequate for the vendors and also for the prospective customers, many never becoming customers because of the prevailing conditions under the tent that are proving to be unbearable.
“It’s inhumane,” one visitor was reported to have said, while walking away without having made a purchase.
Promises have been made on a number of occasions that work on the new market complex will “start soon.” Plans have been drawn by architects and have been modified, and more promises have been made and the wait is still on. In the meantime the property is being used as a parking lot.
The vendors are complaining about the heat under the tent and with good reason. They are talking about marching and shutting Bay Street down because they have become tired and frustrated, claiming that they can’t take it anymore. However, while the means to favourable ends may be deemed justified, that is a stand that should be considered very carefully because the fallout from the adverse publicity may take too long a time to be rectified.
With two years to go before general elections are held the inadequacy of the temporary straw market will undoubtedly be used as a political football, with promises and more promises being made. The government has the means to bring about resolution to the dilemma being faced by the straw vendors. In fact it’s been budgeted οΎ— more than once.
Let there be relief for the straw vendors who will then be better ambassadors in the market place, which could bring about more satisfied tourist customers who could then spread the good news that it is better in The Bahamas.
From: The Nassau Guardian
