Bahamas Launches New $12 Million Nassau Straw Market
By Brian Major
December 15, 2011 12:58 PM
A new $12 million straw market will open to vendors, tourists and residents in Nassau, Bahamas, on Friday, Dec. 16, following 10 years at a temporary site, said Charles Maynard, minister of youth, sports and culture. The new facility will be operated by the Bahamas government.
Vendors had been working at the temporary facility, located under a tent on downtown’s Bay Street, since the original market was destroyed in a 2001 fire. The temporary site was itself damaged in August by Hurricane Irene, leading vendors to set up shop under hastily built tents on Prince George Wharf. The straw market, which will now house up to 500 vendors, has long been a popular attraction for Nassau visitors and residents.
