Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development the Hon. Philip Davis, announced the grant of $2,300 to each of the twenty-three Straw Market vendors who suffered losses resulting from a fire which destroyed the Straw Market in George Town, Exuma two months ago.
The Deputy Prime Minister led a delegation to George Town, Monday, June 29, to present cheques and join the Exuma Christian Council and the Straw Market Authority in a Service of Thanksgiving. The delegation included the Hon. Arnold Forbes, Minister of State in the Ministry of Works and Urban Development; Kevin Simmons, Chairman of the Straw Market Authority; members of the Straw Market Authority; senior Government officials and New Providence Straw Market vendors.
Addressing the straw vendors and members of the community gathered at Regatta Park, Minister Davis said, “every challenge presents an opportunity. This is an opportunity for Exuma to “up its game” in artisanship and craftsmanship. Straw vending is one of our country’s oldest industries. Many Bahamians are born of talented fingers and entrepreneurial spirits of straw vendors. Those gone before us have demonstrated that the talent exists and we encourage vendors to go back to basics and offer more Bahamian-made products in the straw market.
He assured the community of the “full commitment” of the Government to not simply restore what was, but instead to build “a better, modern and well-deserved straw market.”
On behalf of the Government, Mr. Davis expressed appreciation to various benefactors.
He said, “The aftermath of the fire has permitted me to bear witness to a rich demonstration that people still care for one another. We saw straw vendors from all over The Bahamas rallying behind their sisters here in Exuma to provide them with supplies for their stalls. We saw the Church come to the rescue with its time, talent and treasure. We saw the continuing benevolence of BTC with the reinstatement of free landline telephone and internet services to facilitate credit card transactions. We saw expatriate residents and people who simply love Exuma inspired to contribute to rebuilding one of the economic pillars of the George Town community.”
Remarks were also made by the Hon. Anthony Moss; Neil Campbell, Island Administrator; and Mr. Simmons. Straw Market vendors from the Downtown Straw Market in New Providence also issued cheques during the ceremony to their displaced counterparts.
Since the April 15th fire, the Straw Market vendors have been temporarily operating under a tent erected on Regatta Park, donated by Sandals Emerald Bay.
