About 30 handicraft vendors in Port Vila are continuing to call for a permanent and suitable space to sell their local products.

Speaking on behalf of the women vendors, Rossie Kledian told VBTC News that since the earthquake, they have been forced to move from place to place while waiting for a proper market house to be rebuilt.

This month, some of the vendors have been selling their products on land owned by the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu in town.

Kledian expressed appreciation to the church for allowing them to use the space temporarily but said the women are hoping the Government can identify land where they can properly set up and operate.

“We are thankful to the Presbyterian Church for helping us, but we want the Government to find land for the women of Vanuatu to set up properly. We want tourists to come and see Vanuatu-made products,” she said.

She added that it is time to recognise and support local women who contribute to the country’s economy.

“We mothers face many challenges. Vanuatu grows through us — our children are the future. But today it feels like our leaders are ignoring us,” she said.

Clerk of the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu, Collin Caleb, confirmed that the church is assisting the vendors while they wait for the rebuilding of the handicraft market house. He said the church remains open to supporting the women, including arrangements for a small fee for use of the space if necessary.

Meanwhile, Manager of Manufacturing and Creative Industry at the Department of Trade, Lazarus Aising, has encouraged the women to meet with the department so they can work together to identify a suitable location to support their businesses.