With tourists demanding more Bahamian souvenirs, twenty ladies are taking advantage of a course in the art of straw work presented by Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) at the campus of Atlantic College, Hay St.
As straw work takes the path of high fashion, Bahamians are reawakening to the beauty that lies dormant in palm tops and sisal. Straw work has become so economically attractive, persons have been known to leave permanent jobs for a full time career in it.
This BAIC special course, last held in North Andros, heads for Cat Island this week and then on to Eleuthera. “Millions of tourists visit our shores each year. We want to put in each of their hands a Bahamian made product,” said Donnalee Bowe, manager of BAIC’s Handicraft Development Department and the Marketing and Promotion Department.
Ms Bowe also told of a reawakening in the attitude of Bahamians towards straw and sisal goods, especially women products. “Ten years ago hardly any of the bags carried by Bahamian women were made in the Bahamas,” she said. “Today, almost half them are Bahamian made.” Under the tutelage of pioneer straw vendor Eloise Smith of Farmer’s Cay, Exuma, students ranging in ages from their 20s to 70s, took to the curriculum with enthusiasm.
To receive a certificate of proficiency, they must produce two hand bags, a hat, a portfolio, a wallet, and they must be able to plait in at least four styles. “This is a very inexpensive way to start a business,” said Ms Bowe. “They did not realize that it was so easy to produce products from palm tops which are all around us, at such an inexpensive cost.
“We intend to train more and more artisans throughout the Bahamas, not only in the palm top production, but in other areas as well. We have looked at all of the local resources that are available and we are targeting those for development.” Seniors, especially those in the urban renewal programes, are being attracted as trainers in summer and after school programs where youngsters are assigned to them to learn the trade.
Depending on the style, plaits sell for up to $50 per roll; designer straw and sisal handbags fetch thousands of dollars, especially in the international markets. “Some fifteen years ago they told me the industry was dying,” said Ms Bowe. “I don’t think anyone would say that today. “I am happy this government has given us the opportunity to get to this stage where we can produce more and more Bahamian products.
“This would have a major impact on our economy because we won’t have to import so many of the products that we are now selling as souvenir items. And then we are creating jobs.” Tutor Miss Smith, well-known in the straw industry, learned plaiting as a five-year-old at Farmer’s Cay from her mother Joyce Bain-Smith who learned the craft from her mother Euterpie Bain.
“I was always fascinated by it and as I grew older I began to stitch it and create various designs with it,” she said. “I just love it. “The tourists who come to the Bahamas want something Bahamian. My stall (at the straw market) is basically 100 per cent Bahamian. People come to me all the time with orders. “I have all adult students in this course are they are very eager to learn. It is amazing to see how much they have done so far. They love it.
“Years gone by just the straw vendors and the island people were doing straw work. Now we have Bahamians of every color doing it because they now find out that they can make a good living by it.” She was pleased that students owned their sewing machines which she described as “a big plus.” For student Doris Gibson, this is her first time with straw.
“I find it very exciting,” she said. “I think I would like to be a hat maker. I would like to make a difference in the tourist industry. Bahamians are beginning to realize that straw is the way to go.” Beatrice Astwood was always interested in straw work and the BAIC course was an opportunity she could not bypass. “I find it very interesting,” she said. Her interest is the creation of bags. Paulette Delaney is “fanatical about hats.” Her preference is sisal. “It’s absolutely beautiful material. I made a couple hats that I wore to church, and I got rave reviews. Moreover, sisal can be dyed any color.”
