(BIS Photos/Gena Gibbs)

GEORGE TOWN, Exuma -- Strengthening local straw vendors with Government support and means to rebuild their economy, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works, the Hon. Philip Brave Davis, along with Chairman of the New Providence Straw Market Authority, Kevin Simmons, visited the victims of the fire as well as the site in downtown George Town on April 20, where fire consumed the straw market on April 15 bringing the economy to a temporary standstill. The Ministry of Works approved erecting a temporary tent, which was donated by Sandals Emerald Bay, to get the souvenir makers back to work immediately.

“The wonderful aspect of being part of humanity and being part of the Homo sapiens race is its benevolent spirit and the outpouring of that spirit particularly in light of a tragedy. And you see that when people come together and feel the pain and grief of others. I often say that if we work together, or work together as a team, each of us will achieve more. And therein lies the benevolence I say of the humanity and the benevolent spirit of humanity,” said DPM and Minister of Works, the Hon. Philip Davis.

“Let’s look at the word TEAM as an acronym; Together Each Achieves More. And sometimes it’s sad to say we only recognize that or see that in times of grief and times of tragedy. But it’s nevertheless a reminder to all of us, that we are indeed our brother’s keeper because what happens to one of us, may one day happen to me or you. And so it is on April 15^th, when I got the news of this fire of the historic straw venue in George Town, I was equally moved as those of you who were directly affected. Many of us can trace our evolution back to the Straw Industry back in the day.”

On April 20, DPM Davis and Straw Market Chairman Kevin Simmons attended a local Town Meeting at the Kettel Centre of the Exuma Foundation to reassure Georgetown straw vendors that the Government intends to quickly rebuild and replace the marketplace.

Some of the Exuma residents claimed the Exuma fire attracted an overwhelming response of international attention and donations that the straw market needed to be upgraded and George Town’s Ex-Pat community collected almost $20,000 from Americans, who frequently visit Elizabeth Harbour while vacationing in Exuma.

DPM Davis said he had an opportunity to speak with all the straw vendors and tell them he has ties to the straw market that burned in the fire. Mr. Davis reflected that his aunt, Lillian McKenzie from Stuart Manor, used to work there as a straw vendor.

Mr. Davis added that the Government recognizes the necessity to protect people’s means of survival the best way possible and to provide hope and relief where needed.

Mr. Davis also said both he and Mr. Simmons, Chairman of the Straw Market Authority, are encouraging vendors to offer more Bahamian-made products in the straw market.

“The Straw Market Authority is mandated to oversee all the straw markets throughout The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Unfortunately, we did not have a chance to get to Exuma before your fire, but that caused us to speed up some of the things we envisioned to do with the straw vendors here in Exuma. We have been aggressively trying to make sure and do our part to ensure that you are up and running. I think you may have received some boxes of souvenir items that could get you started. The whole objective is to get you started,” said Mr. Simmons.

“It may not be all you want, but it’s sufficient, I believe, to cause you to get started in business almost immediately. We are going to continue to do our part to make sure the vendors are looked after. And further, the Deputy Prime Minister, who happens to be my Minister and the Minister responsible for Straw Markets, are mandated to bring all assistance you need, temporary measures, to get you going. You been receiving boxes from Saturday, Sunday, and I believe some may have come in today and tomorrow. So we are working aggressively to get you started.”

Mr. Simmons said he is hoping to strengthen the networking between straw vendors in New Providence and Exuma. He added that they understand that new money that is spent with the straw vendors is important for the economy because that money goes back into the community immediately, as tourists from the cruise ships buy from the straw market, that money goes to the grocery store, the gas station and school lunch vendors.He added that most of the nation’s leaders are products of the straw market.

Anthony Moss, Exuma’s Member of Parliament, told the Town Meeting that the Anglican Archdiocese and other church organizations have donated money and other assistance to help out the vendors.