Island Administrator Everette Hart noted that his mother had been a great plait woman on Exuma. Congratulations were also extended by Craig Woods, General Manager Out Islands for the Ministry of Tourism, and MP Robert Sweeting. The main address was delivered by Hon Alvin Smith, Executive Chairman of BAIC, who delineated the history of straw work and his Ministry's efforts to promote the industry. But, as all but two of the graduates were women, it was Madam Minister's words they wanted to hear. Minister Moxey-Ingraham noted that the craft of straw working had come to The Bahamas through both African and European sources.
People today travel far and wide and they have an appreciation of indigenous hand-made crafts.
These are special to them. Take advantage of the new trend. With the opening of Disney on Castaway Cay you have a tremendous opportunity to benefit financially. But there were also words of admonition. Your new skill depends on the health of the Bahamian forest - the bush.