Arawak Vendors on Business Boom

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A rebound in tourism has brought booming business at Arawak Cay.

Our Jasmin Brown caught up with some of those vendors.

After being shut down nearly a dozen times during the pandemic due to spikes in COVID-cases, Arawak Cay vendors say they are happy to see customers once again filling their dining rooms.

Stall owners at the popular spot for tourists and residents say it’s a welcomed relief after a rough couple of years brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

While they’re getting more patrons in the door, Arawak Cay Conch, Fish, Food Vendors Association President Rodney Russell says there are still some stall owners who are struggling.

Russell says of the 32 stalls on Arawak Cay, five are still unable to open.

Fifteen months ago, he told Our News that nearly half of Arawak Cay restaurants remain closed.

Another sore point for vendors would be the non-functioning public bathrooms, which they say has been bad for business as customers have been forced to use portable toilets for months.

The Arawak Cay business owners spoke out moments after two cabinet ministers toured the facilities.

Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Clay Sweeting promised to have the issue addressed.