Garden Hills artisans who graduated from the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation course in shell and straw craft were encouraged to take advantage of money-making opportunities.

 “These are exciting times to be a part of the growing handicraft industry of The Bahamas,” said BAIC executive chairman Edison M Key during graduation ceremonies Friday, June 25.  “We are surely witnessing a rebirth like nothing before.

 “Newer, better and more creative products are entering the marketplace thanks in no small measure to the enthusiasm with which Bahamians have embraced opportunities in the handicraft industry.”

 Forty residents of Garden Hills took the courses that were conducted by regionally recognized Bahamian handicraft tutors Eldina Miller and April Martin-Fox.

 Thousands of persons throughout the islands have taken various courses in handicraft production that BAIC through its Handicraft Development and Marketing Department has been promoting.

 As a result of the increased interest in Bahamian handicraft, said Mr Key, more opportunities are being opened for small businesses, cottage and family operations.

 He took “special note” that construction of the new straw market downtown Nassau “is continuing at a brisk pace.”

 “We will do the best we can to ensure that it will be a centre for presentation to the world of authentically Bahamian handicraft, including the wonderful works of art that you are producing here in Garden Hills,” said Mr Key.

 “After all, it is Bahamian tax payers’ money being used to construct the straw market. So it should be no more than right that Bahamian products get preference and priority with what goes in there.”

 Vendors have gained the confidence of the Ministry of Tourism whose public relations department is promoting Bahamian handicraft “in a big way.” 

 “Our tourists have been saying in no uncertain terms that they prefer Bahamian-made souvenirs and items of interest when they visit our islands, not something made elsewhere with the name Bahamas written on it,” said Mr Key.

 In conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism provision has been made for vendors to show off their wares along downtown Bay Street and Woodes Rogers Walk during cruise ship days.

 With BAIC as organizers, he said, the Ministry of Tourism’s colorful Authentically Bahamian handicraft show this year “is destined to be bigger and better than ever.”

 And, BAIC’s internationally acclaimed BahamArts Festival at the Arawak Cay Culture Centre “simply blows everyone away with splendor.”

 Bahamian artisans have caught the attention of regional bodies who want to assist in marketing products internationally, he disclosed.

 In that regard, the Inter-American Development Bank has made a $500,000 regional award for the marketing of handicraft on the Internet.

 “As that would involve bringing our products up to international standards, we have intensified our training programs throughout the islands,” he said.

 Also, the Caribbean Export Development Agency is offering Bahamian artisans assistance in product development, marketing and export.

 “The ball is in your court,” said Mr Key. “I say let’s take back our handicraft industry!”