Give us more of the tourism pie, say craft vendors
WESTERN BUREAU: ESPITE THE optimism of Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, craft vendors are not enthused about the upcoming winter tourist season, and even before the first visitor arrives, some are ready to give the season a failing grade.
In fact, some vendors who claim that they are being neglected in favour of established merchants, have described their situation as a “downright shame”, saying they have been sold out by the authorities, who, they say, have allowed the ‘small man’ to fall prey to the big competitors who are seeking to dominate the industry.
“Big bucks are being paid to leave the craft markets empty and to take visitors elsewhere,” said Melody Haughton-Adams, president of the National Craft Traders and Producers Association.
“We are tired of sitting down in the market and seeing the buses drive past and no business coming into the craft markets,” said Haughton, who operates out of the Harbour Street Craft Market in Montego Bay. “We are adamant that this season must be different ... we are determined to get some of the business.”
Haughton’s sentiments were echoed by the craft vendors operating out of the Old Forte Craft Market. They noted that even on a cruise ship day, less than a dozen tourists visit the market as most are taken to the Hip Strip, where Indian merchants operate gift shops.
“Dem nah come give we no
DNigel Webster, a blind craftsmaker, works on an item earlier this year.