NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Opposition yesterday expressed its support for straw vendors who have voiced their dissatisfaction with the elimination of the rotation system at the straw market.
The Free National Movement, in a statement written by Deputy Leader and St Barnabas MP Shanendon Cartwright, called on the government to immediately review its current policies and the economic impact on vendors as well as the overall tourist experience.
Cartwright stated: “In recent weeks Bahamian straw vendors have expressed their dissatisfaction with the government’s lack of care, response and attention to a number of issues plaguing the Nassau Straw Market, namely the elimination of the rotation system which has brought great economic hardship for many of the vendors who are struggling to make it.
“While it is acknowledged that the rotation system was never intended to be permanent, its implementation as expressed by many vendors proved to be economically beneficial for vendors. Additionally, the rotation system allowed better spacing of goods and products enhancing the overall presentation to both visitors and Bahamians alike,” Cartwright argued.
“We call upon the government to forge a stronger, consultative and collaborative partnership with straw vendors and hear their cries. The government should also immediately review its current policies and its economic impact on struggling straw vendors and the overall tourist experience in the straw market.
Cartwright says the official opposition “fully supports” the straw vendors in their attempts to “have proper dialogue with the government”.
Having returned to full-time work at the straw market, some vendors say they are struggling to make as much money as they did on the previous rotational system.
After the government amended vendors’ work schedules in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some vendors said they preferred the rotational shift. Those vendors recently protested the government’s decision to restart full-time work schedules on March 13.
Under the rotation system, vendors worked three days on some weeks and four days on other weeks. They divided into groups A and B, a separation that was intended to reduce competition and crowds in the straw market.
