Recognising that the handicraft and souvenir industry has a $1 billion potential for the national economy, nearly 100 artisans and craftsmen in Exuma pledged to exclusively sell only Bahamian made souvenirs and handicraft in the crafts centre at the Emerald Bay Resort, Casino and Golf Course which will open at Ocean Bight early in the new year.
Mr. Sidney Stubbs, the Executive Chairman of BAIC, which holds responsibility for encouraging Domestic Investment, Small Business Startups and Operations, Agri-business, Tourist projects and the facilitation of the Handicraft and Souvenir industry won this support from the Exumians as he addressed a graduation exercise for 75 participants, who completed an intensive training course held on the island.
The BAIC course was held in conjunction with the Caribbean Technological Consultancy Services and Caribbean Export Corporation and co-ordinated by Ms. Donna Lee Bowe, manager of the Handicraft/Souvenir division of BAIC.
The graduation exercise was held on Friday, December 6th at the St. Andrew’s Anglican Centre in George Town where scores of residents, the graduates, and representatives from Local Government, community and business leaders were in attendance.
Mr. Stubbs said, “The Handicraft or Souvenir Industry in The Bahamas has a potential to gross over $1 billion for our national economy. The Handicraft Souvenir Industry holds a vast and still yet untapped reservoir of potential for self employed persons and is perhaps the most lucrative field of endeavour for hundreds of Bahamians to earn a solid good living, put their children to school, meet their mortgages, take a family vacation every year and put away a little something every week for retirement.
“We in the BAIC are excited about the huge potential the Handicraft Souvenir Industry represents,” Mr. Stubbs said.
The course was conducted over a scheduled three month period and the island’s participants were offered instruction in Balata, (this is a sap taken from the Balata tree which is native to Guyana and when boiled transforms to a rubber like substance which is then used in the making of dolls etc.), straw and shell craft.
Instructors for the training programmes were Lady Igrid Darling, wife of former Governor General Sir Clifford Darling who conducted classes in Balata craft, Ms. Eloise Smith, a pioneer in the straw industry in New Providence and a recognised maestro amongst her peers and Mr. Cephas Ward, a master craftsmen in Shell Craft, who is also a registered Consultant to the Caribbean Technological Technical Services division of the Caribbean Development Bank.
Graduates were presented with their Certificates by Mr. Stubbs, who is also the (PLP) Member of Parliament for Holy Cross, Mr. Anthony Moss, the (PLP) Member of Parliament for Exuma and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly and Mr. Emerson Luther Smith, General Manager of BAIC and senior executive assistant to Prime Minister Perry G. Christie.
Mr. Stubbs implored the enthusiastic and excited graduates to zealously guard their market share and make a statement to the world in offering only Bahamian made products in the Emerald Bay Crafts Market.
Said Mr. Stubbs, “In this the 21st century let not the germ of importation of foreign handicraft and souvenir products poison your waters. Do not allow the imports from Taiwan, Hong Kong, the United States, Cuba, Jamaica and elsewhere pollute your ability to entrench truly indigenous Bahamian made handicraft and souvenirs in this your market.”
“Yes, I am a student of International Relations and world affairs. I have worked at the United Nations and at the World Bank. I am very much aware of the approaching hoof beats of the horsemen of NAFTA and FTAA and free trade.
“However, while the world is preparing for the advent of this new international trade discipline, it is imperative on you people here in Exuma to run ahead of the pack and make a firm indentation in the Handicraft and Souvenir market with genuine and truly authentic Bahamian products,” Mr. Stubbs lectured.
“All over your beautiful island there are every species of Palm thatch. All over your beautiful island there are every species of coconut tree. All over your beautiful island there are the most exotic and psychedelic species of shells. All over your island there are Exumians who transform blank canvas into award winning works of art.
“You have the ability. You have the market. You have the will. But do you have the heart? Mr. Stubbs asked.
“Do you have the heart to remain true to genuine Bahamian products?
“Do you have the heart to salute and praise the work of your Exumian competitors?
“Do you have the heart to impart, teach and train other Bahamians in your handicraft skills?
“Do you have the heart to establish Exuma as a rare precious jewel in the handicraft souvenir market?
“Will you have thousands of visitors to your shores returning home singing your praises from the roof tops and the steeples with your handicraft and souvenirs adorning the walls of their corporate offices, their homes, their businesses and as treasured gifts to their friends and family.
“I envision a new day for Exuma.
I see the insignia: MADE IN EXUMA taking its rightful place next to international brand names like Tiffany, Royal Dolton and Faberge. I believe in you.
“Do you believe in yourselves?,” Mr. Stubbs asked.
“I believe in you because of what history teaches us.
Mr. Stubbs said the people of Exuma are heirs to a proud and great generation of enslaved and freed Africans and philanthropic Loyalists whose actions down through history inspired some most of the progressive legislation building Bahamian society after Emancipation.
“I am happy to be here in Exuma, the birth place of some of the greatest, fearless, courageous and indeed most prolific pace setters, educators, public officers, revolutionaries, entrepreneurs, religious leaders, artists and citizens in the history of our proud Commonwealth.
“Exuma is a land bustling with a colourful and adventurous and historic past and Exuma has an even brighter future ahead for its wonderful people. You are heirs of a proud history. You are the descendants of that great national hero Pompey, trail blazer for justice and right whose actions inspired our modern day national heroes Sir Lynden Pindling, Sir Milo Butler, Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield, The Honourable Paul L. Adderley, the Honourable Arthur Dion Hanna, Sir Clifford Darling, Sir Orville Turnquest, Dame Doris L. Johnson, Clarence A. Bain and The Honourable Livingstone Coakley,” Mr. Stubbs said.
“So it was here in Exuma in the mid 19th century when Pompey took his stand,” Mr. Stubbs.
History teaches us that the people of Exuma are descendants of a courageous lineage of national heroes, Mr. Stubbs said.
“In your veins flows the blood of the original Bahamian freedom fighter”, he said.
