With overseas markets available…
By Michelle Gonsalves
PRIME Minister Samuel Hinds, on Monday, pledged his support to local craft producers.

“I will continue to have an open door to the Guyana Craft Producers Association,” he said at a symposium and strategic planning workshop, also for art producers.

“The craft producers in Guyana are among the best in the Caribbean,” said Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Persaud whose Ministry sponsored the event that was hosted at Cara Lodge, on Quamina Street, Georgetown and attracted attendees from all ten Administrative Regions.

Prashad cited a Caribbean Art and Craft Show where a minimum 40 per cent of exhibitors were Guyanese whose products were sold first.

In some cases, he said the merchandise was sold out even before the exhibition.

Prashad encouraged “suitcase traders” after noting that most large businesses start very small.

From left, Mr. Nicholas Young – President of the Guyana Arts and Craft Producers Association (GACPA); Mr. Geoffrey Da Silva – Executive Director, Guyana Office for Investment (GOINVEST); Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; Mr. Ramesh Dookhoo – Guyana Manufactures and Services Association; and Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Mr. Manniram Prashad.

He acknowledged the need for his ministry to work with the producers, because when tourists visit, they look for locally produced craft.

President of Guyana Arts and Craft Producers Association (GACPA), Mr. Nicholas Young expressed satisfaction with the first strategic plan and General Secretary, Ms. Denzil Hollingsworth said a training session on costing had been completed two days before.

JOBS CREATION
She said GACPA can take credit for the creation of 4,443 jobs, 940 of which are related to the craft industry and are on record.

Minister Manniram Prashad addresses the gathering at a Symposium and Strategic Planning Workshop for Arts and Craft Producers.

Hollingsworth said craft markets are available in every Caribbean country as well as London, England; Paris, France and the United States (U.S.)

Executive Director of Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), Mr. Geoffrey Da Silva said Guyana has an advantage with its wood, clay grasses and other materials to facilitate the manufacture of craft.

However, he said those involved must not become complacent as there is a need to develop their products, training, marketing and other aspects of the enterprise.

Da Silva advised that three Cs – customers, cost and competition – should be followed.

Guyana Manufactures and Services Association (GM&SA) President, Mr. Ramesh Dookhoo said acknowledgement of the craft industry is significant and looked forward to a national brand, with which some countries stamp their products to distinguish them from others.

He said training, technology transfer, knowledge and development of the products are important to the business.

Attendees at the craft workshop taking a closer look at the wonderful items on display

Representative of the Canadian High Commission, Mr. Anand Harrilall stated the diplomatic mission recognises the industry as essential to sustaining bilateral growth.

He said the Trade Facilitation Office of Canada and Canadian Executive Services Overseas are willing to work along with GACPA, in indigenous areas to create market linkages, develop standards, promote self-sufficiency and serve as advisers and trainers.

GACPA was commissioned by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce on March 17, 2008, to guide the development of the arts and craft industry in this country, with the aid of Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS).