#Freeport, GB, May 1, 2019 – Bahamas – Artists
and artisans were encouraged to fully utilize conch shells which have been
discarded by Bahamians for generations.
During the official opening of the Conch Shell Carving Workshop held on Tuesday, April 30 at Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation’s Grand Bahama Arts and Crafts Centre, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Michael Pintard, said there are a number of products that can be created using conch shells.
Minister
Pintard urged to group to form and strengthen existing Cooperatives so that
they may collaborate and strengthen their bargaining power.
“For
example, when you have a discussion with the Grand Bahama Port Authority about
the transformation of downtown and other areas, conch shells and other
naturally occurring resources in Grand Bahama can be used as a part of a design
and beautification of Freeport.
“Rather
than one or two artists engaging in that enterprise, it would make a tremendous
amount of sense if you have a cooperative of artisans that will enlarge your
bargaining voice when you speak with Central Government, the municipal
government which is the Grand Bahama Port Authority, when you speak to
Carnival, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and Hutchison Whampoa, because all of
them will need to design, decorate and enhance their properties.
“And we
will insist that you are included in those discussions.”
It would
make sense, he said, when a team is working together to guarantee consistency
in terms of work and supply of products, as well as pricing as a result of
volume.
Parliamentary
Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Iram Lewis urged those present to take
advantage of a virtually untapped market.
For
years, he said, Bahamians only saw the value of the conch for food and so the
shell, was discarded. People, he continued, never saw the real value of the
shell. He suggested that the shells be used to make items such as ashtrays,
chandeliers, scones, jewellery and many other items.
They
were encouraged to “dream big and plan bigger” as it is an industry that should
not fail. The only limitations that will be placed on them, he said, is what
they impose on themselves.
Following
the ceremony, the Minister and Mr. Lewis were shown a number of items on
display manufactured from conch shells.
Every
quarter, BAIC will host workshops to encourage and train residents to become
self-employed in producing Bahamian made products.
By Robyn Adderley
Photo Caption: During the official opening of the Conch Shell Carving Workshop, April 30, 2019, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Michael Pintard, encouraged artisans to strengthen their Co-operatives so as to become a formidable bargaining unit.
(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)