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Last Updated: Dec 29, 2011 - 2:18:31 AM |
ON TOUR: BAIC Chairman, Ron Darville, gives GBPA executives an informal tour of the new Grand Bahama Arts & Craft Centre, including the locally designed ravines and nature trail.
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Saturday, 9th July, 2011 – Freeport, Bahamas – Recently, executives of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) and the Bahamas Agricultural Industrial Corporation (BAIC) conducted an informal walkthrough of the completed facilities of the Grand Bahama Arts & Craft Centre.
The new state of the art 5,000 square foot facility was completed earlier this year by contractor Chris Harris & Pyramid Construction Company, to a tune of $650,000.00 On hand for the site tour was GBPA President, Ian Rolle, who shared his enthusiasm regarding the soon to come opening of the facility. “We are very pleased with the final product; the contractors did a wonderful job. We have handed over the facilities to the Management of BAIC and are looking forward to their grand opening!” Rolle stated.
Noting the increased skill level of local artists, he said that the Craft shop and museum will not be lacking in the display of quality products. “After witnessing the magnificent display of Bahamian arts and crafts during the recent Downtown International Food and Cultural Festival (DIFCF), I believe that once occupied, the Arts & Craft Centre will become a major venue for the display of ‘All things Bahamian’ as well as an added attraction for both tourists and locals to enjoy,” Rolle further commented.
Accompanying GBPA executives on the site tour were, Ron Darville, Chairman of BAIC and H. Rudy Sawyer, Assistant Manager. Darville shared that the Arts & Crafts Centre will add to the number of attractions available here on Grand Bahama. “What will be especially great about this facility is that it will offer locals and tourists the unique experience of witnessing the handcrafted process of many different kinds of local artwork!” Darville stated. “Vendors at this facility will have access to numerous resources, including machinery and work space for manufacturing their products.”
GBPA EXECUTIVES LOOKING FORWARD TO BAIC’S OFFICIAL OPENING: GBPA Executives conduct informal site tour and handover of new Arts & Craft Centre facilities to BAIC officials. Pictured from left to right – Rudy Sawyer- Assistant Manager, BAIC; Ron Darville - Chairman, BAIC; Ginger Moxey-Vice President-GBPA; Ian Rolle, GBPA-President and Allison Campbell, Deputy Director of Building and Development Services, GBPA.
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The administrative offices of BAIC are now located at the facility and soon to come are production rooms, a mini craft shop and museum, as well as a concession stand. According to BAIC executives, Darville and Sawyer, artisans from all over the island can have their wares displayed once they are a member of the Grand Bahama Craft Association and meet the Board’s standardization requirements.
VP of GBPA, Ginger Moxey noted the display of Bahamian crafts at regular events, such as the Authenticity Tradeshow, emphasize the growing skill level and attention to detail by craftsmen. “We are now seeing an unprecedented display of quality crafted Bahamian products in the marketplace. The products are ranging from art work, shell products, intricately designed straw handbags and jewelry. The quality is amazing and I think BAIC is doing an outstanding job in training and encouraging artisans to display quality, unique products,” she shared further.
Now that the construction phase is completed, BAIC officials are hard at work putting the finishing touches on interiors and furnishings. Both GBPA and BAIC officials agree that once operational, the new Arts & Craft Centre will be a welcomed amenity, where tourists and locals can enjoy a unique Bahamian experience.
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