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

St. John’s, Antigua & Barbuda September 30, 2024: 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.

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.