STRAW VENDORS
OF GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND

The straw work industry in The Islands of The Bahamas was started in the 1720s by Mrs. George Phenney, wife of the then Governor of the islands. Straw markets began to spring up around Freeport with the development of Tourism here in the mid 1960s, and the vendors have become a major contributor to the industry. 

There are over 250 straw vendor stalls in Freeport/Lucaya, most of which are located at the International Bazaar, ‘Goombay Park' (just outside the Bazaar at the rear of the Casino) and at Port Lucaya Marketplace.  There are others stalls at the Garden of the Groves, Taino Beach, Country Club at Bahamia and Freeport Harbour. Goods ranging from straw work, T-shirts, wood carvings, jewelry and other arts and craft are sold.