Ocean Cay Reintroduces Local Straw Market with Bimini Vendor Collaboration

BIMINI, BAHAMAS – Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve welcomed back 20 local vendors from Bimini as the process began to reestablish a traditional Bahamian straw market on the Cay.

Representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Local Government were present to support the initiative, underscoring the shared commitment to building meaningful partnerships with the Bimini community.

This market revival demonstrates Ocean Cay’s investment in local livelihoods, Bahamian craftsmanship, and economic opportunity.

By bringing local artisans, and craft vendors into the planning process, Ocean Cay aims to ensure that the market reflects authentic Bahamian traditions while offering high-quality, locally made Bahamian products to visitors.

With more than one million cruise guests arriving each year from MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys ships, the Cay offers a powerful platform to showcase Bahamian culture and craftsmanship to an international audience.

For local vendors, the reestablished straw market is both a celebration of heritage and a meaningful opportunity to share Bimini’s artistry with the many visitors who come ashore.

Triska Amadine Rolle, Chief Councillor, commented, “Seeing these vendors here, engaged and involved, shows to me that the partnership with Ocean Cay is working.

This market will offer income, pride, and visibility for our artisans, and the involvement of the local Ministry of Tourism office ensures that this will be done right.”

“This is more than fulfilling a promise; it’s about acting on our responsibility,” said Chuck Weech, Operations Manager at Ocean Cay. “We are vested in this community, and reintroducing the straw market is a direct way that Ocean Cay can support local business owners, preserve our craft heritage, and build sustainable opportunity.”

Next steps include finalizing the vendor agreements, coordinating training workshops in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and market operations, and confirming the market layout and opening date. Ocean Cay leadership, together with vendors and the Ministry of Tourism, will continue engaging stakeholders to ensure the market reflects Bahamian culture, responds to community needs, and operates sustainably.

Ocean Cay serves as a regular call for both MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, the luxury cruise brand, bringing visitors from around the world to experience the beauty of The Bahamas. 

Ocean Cay is also home to the MSC Foundation’s Super Coral Reefs Programme and Marine Conservation Center, reflecting a commitment to protecting marine life while supporting sustainable tourism and community partnerships.