National

Vendors On Edge Over Proposed Straw Market Closure

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Straw market vendors are reacting to news that the market could soon close for up to a week to allow for repairs and a deep cleaning in New Providence.

Published

3 months ago

September 16, 2025

Delvardo Emmanuel

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Straw market vendors are reacting to news that the market could soon close for up to a week to allow for repairs and a deep cleaning in New Providence.

Some say it’s long overdue, while others worry the shutdown will leave families without an income.

LESLIE ALBURY – VENDOR, NASSAU STRAW MARKET

I have a turn my problem every morning. You get here. It’s a lot of sand and dust. all over the stuff. all over your things. all over the floor. My problem, other than a termite my problem. And here it is very, very hot.”

That’s just some of the challenges expressed by straw market vendors I spoke to this morning.

For generations, the Nassau straw market has been the heartbeat of Bay Street.

But vendors say conditions inside have been worsening, from heat and dust to pests, rodents, power outages, and even broken bathroom facilities.

 For many vendors, the idea of closing for a week is troubling.

They say it could mean going without income… for days… something they can’t afford.

ADDIE BELL CURRY – VENDOR, NASSAU STRAW MARKET

“ This cannot be a wishy washy operation because a lot is at state at this time for the vendors having to, would have to move their stuff, and nothing is really, nothing concrete is done. You know, and some of these things I believe that they can do, uh, when we knock off in the evening. I believe most of these things that they’re putting you on for, they can deal with that in the evening times. “

But other vendors say the market’s condition makes a temporary closure unavoidable.

They argue it hasn’t had a proper deep clean in over a decade… and tourists are noticing.

LATOYA TAYLOR – VENDOR, NASSAU STRAW MARKET

“ You know what I mean? because if it doesn’t clean, then more come. The little roaches, the little rodents, they’re running out, even when we had a rain the other day.

And our drain systems are all kinds of roaches running up. So the tourist is running outta here.”

WENDAL JOHNSON – VENDOR, NASSAU STRAW MARKET

“ The market needs to be clean. The problem with that is you have a lot of, uh, underwear. mothers with plenty of children. If somebody, they should be compensated by social service, or they they gonna need some help.”

While some vendors argue that a week-long closure is excessive, others insist it’s not nearly enough.

BRENDA FERGUSON – VENDOR, NASSAU STRAW MARKET

“Everybody would want to be saying, no, it cannot be a week.

And I, for those who would be on the side, would say, get the work done, get it cleaned up, and get it properly done. And it should be more than a week. “

So what do officials have to say? I spoke with a parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Works.

He confirmed the board will meet on Friday to finalize whether the market will shut down for up to one week, so crews can install a cooling system and fire safety mechanisms.