Straw vendors in Nassau are confronting severe operational challenges and significant financial losses following their relocation to Fort Charlotte, where a recent burglary resulted in the theft of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise. The vendors report inadequate security and poor infrastructure at the temporary site, amplifying frustrations over the prolonged displacement from their original location at Fort Fincastle.
According to affected vendors, the break-in last week led to substantial inventory losses. Margarette Rahming-Jones, a veteran vendor with over 35 years in the industry, reported approximately $30,000 in stolen goods, including jewelry, handcrafted bags, and customized souvenirs. Another vendor, Sonia Murphy, estimated losses around $2,700. The incident has caused considerable distress among the vendor community, with some too upset to open their stalls following the theft.
Vendors have repeatedly raised concerns about the site’s security, noting that only a single security officer guards Fort Charlotte. Additionally, they cite persistent environmental issues such as ankle-deep flooding during rainfall and mold formation within the temporary tents, creating unsuitable conditions for both merchandise and commerce.
The Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC), which manages the site, has denied responsibility for safeguarding vendor goods. Don Cornish, Director of AMMC, stated that vendors were explicitly informed that storing merchandise on-site would be at their own risk. He revealed that a proposed inventory verification system—requiring daily check-ins by vendors, the Straw Market Authority, and AMMC—was rejected by stakeholders as overly burdensome.
Cornish also indicated that some vendors did not fully cooperate with the subsequent police investigation, complicating efforts to verify the reported losses. He emphasized that the AMMC responded to the incident and notified law enforcement, but police have not yet issued a final report.
The vendors were moved to Fort Charlotte in March when Fort Fincastle closed for a restoration project initially projected to last four months. The $3 million restoration, focusing on the historic Bennett’s Hill water tower—a nearly century-old structure and key Caribbean heritage attraction—has required extensive work including structural remediation, replastering, and the installation of a modern elevator. The project has exceeded its original timeline due to technical and safety requirements.
AMMC now anticipates reopening Fort Fincastle in January, following the completion of internal work such as drywall installation, painting, and the reinstallation of restored historical doors. Cornish acknowledged the vendors’ anxiety but emphasized that construction timelines are governed by safety and regulatory standards that cannot be expedited. He also noted that AMMC has undertaken improvements to the vendor facilities at Bennett’s Hill to ensure a safer and upgraded environment upon their return.