Vendors at Cayman Craft Market at Boilers Road in downtown George Town have been given a revised and updated ‘Code of Conduct’ designed to regulate behaviour and the conduct of business at the market.
Gilbert Connolly, chief executive officer of the Tourism Attraction Board, along with Jeán-Eric Smith, manager of the Craft Market, presented the document to the vendors during a special meeting Monday, 9 January.
Mr. Connolly told the vendors that members of the attraction board were concerned about some persistent issues at the Craft Market and had revised the code of conduct to address the issues.
These include reports of improper conduct of vendors, poor customer service and the sale of unauthorised products in the market.
Mr. Connolly said “the board was committed to maintaining the mission and integrity of the market, as a truly Caymanian enterprise that provides visitors with authentic representations of local art, culture and heritage”.
The code prohibits the use of profane or threatening language or behaviour at the Craft Market and addresses basic service standards that vendors should provide customers. It also reinforces the kinds of art and craft items that may be sold at the market.
Referring to the Department of Tourism’s Caymankind marketing campaign, Mr. Connolly asked vendors to ensure visitors to the craft market enjoyed a courteous, pleasant, beneficial and ‘Caymankind’ experience.
“You are representatives of the Cayman Islands tourism industry and must conduct yourselves as such,” he said. “This code of conduct provides the guidelines for doing so and also has provisions to protect your rights as licensed vendors.”
Jeán-Eric Smith said, “The new code of conduct and guidelines for the Cayman Craft Market are welcomed as a true indicator of the Craft Market continuing its natural growth. Hopefully, this kind of entrepreneurial tourism initiative will be more passionately embraced by Caymanian artisans as a means of showcasing and selling their creations.”
Ivolyn Thomas, who has operated Ivy’s Cayman Treats at the market for the past five years, welcomed the new guidelines.
“I support this 100 per cent,” she said. “The vendors here at the Craft Market are some of the first people that cruise tourists meet in the Cayman Islands and the first impression is very important. This is not only our business; it’s the country’s tourism and if we do not conduct ourselves properly, we lose and the country will lose.”
Another vendor, Patricia Kelly, also welcomed the new code of conduct, noting the rules would apply equally to one and all and would be good to help regulate vendors’ behaviour and maintain a proper business environment.
The vendors were given copies of the code to study and understand during a period of seven days, following which all will be required to sign the document, signifying their agreement and obligation for compliance.
The Tourism Attraction Board has management responsibility for the Cayman Craft Market and other tourism-related properties including the Queen Elizabeth 11 Botanic Park, Pedro St. James Castle, Hell, as well as the annual Pirates Week festival.
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