We want to make straw markets the centre of tourism product: Alfred Sears

Bahamas: After 20 months of being closed, the Nassau Straw Market is officially reopened. Minister of Works & Utilities Alfred Sears, QC said he’s elated more than 350 straw vendors are back to work. "We want to make the straw markets the center of the tourism product in our country to be the platform to display and to sell the creative products of the Bahamian creative imagination," he said. "The vendors for generation and generation have kept this tradition centre and the government will continue to invest in our markets so they are the center of the attractions that are offered to our visitors in this country." Minister Sears said despite ongoing renovations, and it was crucial to reopen the straw market. [caption id="attachment_39082" align="alignnone" width="100%"] Minister Sears said despite ongoing renovations, and it was crucial to reopen the straw market.[/caption]

"You will see that work is now underway. In other words, tourists couldn't wait for all of the repairs to be completed because you also see tourist are currently in the market making purchases. This is the measure of the mandate that we have received," Minister stated.

Besides, this is an excellent measure to attract more tourists on the board for the nation's unique products that can attract a huge number of visitors. On the other hand, a fresh board of directors has been appointed at Bahamas Power and Light. Works Minister Alfred Sears, QC, confirmed the new appointments at a press conference yesterday. [caption id="attachment_39083" align="alignnone" width="100%"] Minister Sears said despite ongoing renovations, and it was crucial to reopen the straw market.[/caption] Minister Sears stated, "I am confident that this board will achieve and get us as close as possible and possibly even beyond 30 percent of renewable energy of power generation by 2030. We have no shortage of renewable energy in The Bahamas."

The following appointments have been made: Chairman: Exuma Chamber of Commerce President Pedro Rolle, Deputy Chairman: Danny Ferguson, Members: Errol Davis, Anthony Farrington, Reneika Knowles, Dirk Simons, Cheryl Simms, and Nadia Storr.