Vendors demand market redesign
By TANEKA THOMPSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
tthompson@tribunemedia.net
THE Straw Vendors' Association wants the design of the new Straw Market to be changed to accommodate more retailers in spaces designated for craft-making demonstrations, according to a well-placed source.
The request was made recently, however there is no indication so far that the Government will adjust its plans for the new market.
The $11.3 million project calls for several demonstration booths to be placed in the middle of the market which would showcase artisans creating crafts by hand. It is a feature those close to the design feel will add a form of entertainment and will keep customers in the centre longer, thus increasing business.
These demonstration booths will be larger than the standard three by six booth the straw vendors will occupy, and the association would like them to be replaced with areas where vendors can sell their goods, said the source.
"The vendors are an association, like a union, they want to be able to say to our vendors that we are accommodating as many people as possible (in the new market). They don't care about the design, they only want to be able to say to their vendors that they have maximised the number of people that can be there and that's been their position from day one," said the source.
In December, Ministry of Works' officials revealed the new market will only have space to house about 500 vendors.
The new market will span approximately 34,000 square feet at the ground level, and includes a 4,500 square foot mezzanine level. The ground floor will be open, however the air-conditioned upper level will be closed with space for after-school children's activities.
Attempts to reach association President Telator Strachan last night were unsuccessful.
During an earlier interview with The Tribune she said she felt affronted that tourism officials and the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation are promoting artisans to sell their handmade goods on "prime" spots near docked cruise ships and along Bay Street.
"Another injustice (to vendors) is that BAIC and the Ministry of Tourism have placed these people on Bay Street and on the (Prince George Wharf) dock," she said, questioning why those retailers are allowed to convene on the street when Straw Market vendors are confined to one location.
"I have nothing against those (new) designs but BAIC and the ministry are advertising them as if they are the only authentic straw products in the Bahamas. They are pitting those people against straw vendors. They are giving them advertising and putting them in prime spots."
Ms Strachan suggested that these new crop of craft sellers be moved to Festival Place or an unused warehouse near Prince George Wharf - a site where the Government had previously suggested the Straw Market vendors relocate.
November 12, 2010
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