Yesterday, we showed you the discontent at the BTB's Fort George Craft Market in which the artisans complained about enforcement of rules, which confined them to the market while other artisans were allegedly given preferential treatment to approach the tourists at the gate of the Tourism Village.
They also added that since they've been forced to operate from the market, business has been slow, as compared to when they were allowed to sell their goods on the street corner. In all of the frustration venting, the artisans lashed out at the BTB for forcing them to operate only from that specific area.
Well, BTB heard their comments, and today, they spoke to us to set the record straight that they have no control over enforcement of those stray artisans who are breaking the rules. In addition, the Director of BTB also explained that they are cognizant of the issue that proximity to the Tourism Village determines whether or not the artisans make any sales for the day.
She outlined in detail why allowing artisans operate without regulation hurts the country's tourism profile, and what measures are being taken to assist them in the long term.
Laura Esquivel- Frampton - Director, BTB
"Really, ideally nobody should be close to those gates. I walk in and out of that village sometimes, you can see. Sometimes I am camouflaged that people don't even recognize that I am a Belizean, and I receive the harassment. It really is an unwelcoming presence for people to be shouting at you right at the gate. There is a lot of construction in the area, which in itself is causing a lot of upheaval. You don't know which street to turn right now, and so that causes a lot of people who generally are not supposed to be in the area, the ability to sneak in because there's not a wide view of this area. This is something we have to work with the Council, to continue to ensure that preference is given to those who have been out there working day in, day out, for the past 10 - 15 years, and that is our goal. We have part of this project, in which we are building stalls - proper big stalls as you can see them in the park and behind Mirab - for the very same venders that are a part of this association. Now I have to be very clear; it's the venders who are a part of the association. These are the people who are established and recognized as having been there working day in and day out. In addition to that; when the project is completed, there will be signage directing the tourist towards the venders. In addition to that, the Belize Tourism Board will be putting music and entertainment in the park, as a way to draw the tourist to the area. So it's a little unfair for the statements to have been made that were made. I understand everybody wants to take money home to their family, provide for their family. A lot of the upheaval that is happening is really due to the construction and it's the usual thing, progress brings problems."
According to Esquivel-Frampton, the BTB has gone to great lengths to assist the artisans, and they will be given a $50,000 grant for improvement in their crafts, and to purchase necessary materials and tools. According to her, that grant is still pending.
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