ANTIGUA & BARBUDA HOTELS & TOURISM ASSOCIATION

Antigua and Barbuda’s Vibrant Artisans at Nelson's Dockyard: A Testament to Local Craftsmanship

The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) is proud to announce the launch of Season 2 of the Unveiling Hospitality Professional series, kicking off with a heartwarming spotlight on the remarkable local artisans at the Nelson's Dockyard National Park. These vendors not only enrich the visitor experience but are integral to the cultural and economic fabric of Antigua and Barbuda.
 
As we journeyed through the historic Nelson's Dockyard, we were captivated by the remarkable vendors who add a distinctive touch of local art and craft to Antigua and Barbuda’s vibrant tourism landscape. These artisans not only provide visitors with unique mementos but also embody the spirit of entrepreneurship, creativity, and cultural preservation.

One such artisan is Esther Louise Edwards, affectionately known as "Sexy Sue." For over 50 years, Louise has been creating jewelry from wild tamarind seeds, earning her reputation as an artist, teacher, and lifelong advocate for the tourism sector. Recently, her talents were showcased internationally when she traveled to the UK, demonstrating the intricate art of crafting jewelry, mats, and coasters from wild tamarind seeds. Esther describes the process as a labor of love—from foraging for wild tamarind seeds with her family to drying them and meticulously crafting her pieces. She has also generously shared her knowledge by training other vendors, such as Nellie Howell and Angella Jackson, passing on her legacy to ensure the art continues to thrive.

Nellie Howell, herself a vendor for over 50 years, has mastered the same craft with the same attention to detail and passion as Esther. Together, they have worked to introduce the younger generation to this art form, even collaborating with local secondary schools to foster a love for using natural, local products

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Angella "Nikki" Jackson, a relative newcomer to the world of vending, has been in the business for just four years, but her impact is already significant. Nikki's booth, "Nikki's Collection," was inspired by her experience working alongside another vendor. She has embraced the opportunity to become an entrepreneur, meeting countless visitors who are drawn not only to her products but also to her warm personality. Nikki’s career as a vendor has provided her the flexibility to support her family and build a foundation for her future ambitions, which include opening a cook shop while continuing to operate her vendor business. Proudly calling herself "the number one hustler," Nikki looks forward to expanding her entrepreneurial journey.

The ABHTA invites the public to follow the series as it unfolds over the next 11 weeks, celebrating the dedication and excellence of those who are the backbone of our hospitality industry. Viewers can watch each released video starting September 30, 2024 and every Wednesday thereafter on our YouTube channel @antiguabarbudahotels and on our social media pages @antiguahotels and @antiguahoteljobs.

ABHTA's Hospitality Job Fair Celebrates Success on World Tourism Day 2024

Craig Marshall, Chairman of the ABHTA, shared his excitement over the impressive turnout and the professionalism displayed by young job seekers. "I was particularly pleased to see a large number of young people, some as young as 19, who came well-prepared, eager to engage in meaningful conversations about their future in the hospitality industry. It’s heartening to witness their enthusiasm, and we are proud to provide this platform for them to start their careers," he stated.

 

In addition to exploring job opportunities, job seekers had the chance to discuss educational paths in hospitality. Representatives from the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute (ABHTI) and the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus were present to engage in discussions about educational programs and training opportunities. These interactions offered participants insight into how furthering their education could complement their career aspirations and enhance their potential in the industry.

Employers were equally impressed by the level of preparedness and the positive energy brought to the fair by attendees. Many highlighted how this generation of job seekers is poised to make a meaningful impact on the industry. The ABHTA is grateful to its members, financial and educational institutions for supporting this initiative and looks forward to working with its members to embrace young talent and harness their skills and creativity to drive the future of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry.
 
With tourism serving as the engine of Antigua and Barbuda's economy, events like this showcase the potential for young people to contribute to peace and prosperity by engaging in meaningful work. The ABHTA remains committed to supporting the next generation of hospitality professionals and creating a robust workforce that will propel the industry forward.