Cooper: Straw Market To Open By End Of Year

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Visitor numbers are projected to reach 95% of pre-COVID levels by November or December, according to Tourism Minister Chester Cooper, who also revealed that discussions are underway for the safe reopening of the downtown Straw Market by the end of the year.

Giorgio Bain reports.

19 months after it was shut down, the Downtown Straw Market will reopen in just a few weeks, according to Tourism Minister Chester Cooper, who said officials are looking forward to increased visitor arrivals heading into the peak winter travel season.

The Downtown Straw Market has been closed since March 2020.

Straw vendors have repeatedly called on the government to reopen the tourist attraction as nearly all businesses shut down at the start of the covid-19 pandemic have since reopened.

Cooper says in order for the Straw Market to reopen safely, tourism officials will be conducting several meetings with representatives from the Ministry of Works to ensure that covid 19 protocols are adhered to.

Last week, Minister of Works and Utilities Alfred Sears also confirmed the Straw Market will reopen soon now that many of the required health conditions have been met.

Cooper added another goal of the Ministry of Tourism is to ensure the Straw Market sells authentically Bahamian products.

Reporting for Our News, I’m Giorgio Bain.