THE Guyana Arts and Craft Producers Association (GACPA) collaborated in 2012 with Canadian company TFO and Canadian Executive Service Organisation (CESO) on a project funded by the Canadian Government to take 12 companies into the Canadian marketplace from the home décor sector.

What may have been described as an accidental encounter with Canadians Paul and Beverly Williams at the Canadian Gifts and Tablewear Association Show turned out to be a blessing. The duo, through CESO, was sent to Guyana to work in the leather sector and assist local craftsmen to take their leather work to the next level.

Expert leather craft designers, Paul and Beverly, commenced their leather training workshop on February 3rd and concluded on February 7th. During that time, they would have observed that production costs could have been lower if they had implemented the use of Harris Paints for their pieces. It was discovered that apart from being cheaper than regular dyes for leather, Harris Paints were a waterproof mechanism and were environmentally friendly.

Paul and Beverly would also have encouraged other sectors of craft production to incorporate the use of leather into their designs, something which craftsmen have begun to do. For the leather industry, it was realised that focus was placed only on sandals and bracelets; and, as such, craftsmen were encouraged not to limit their scope of production.

The closing ceremony for the workshop was held last Friday at the Umana Yana. It paid tribute to the associated bodies, namely TFO and CESO, for their assistance in helping members of the Craft Industry to exploit their potentialities.

The ceremony saw the presence of representatives of TFO, CESO, GACPA and the Hon. Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who spoke words of encouragement and expressed proud sentiments for what the Arts and Craft Association of Guyana has achieved.

He also mentioned the importance of the craft industry to Guyana, as it produces a sense of identity for our country. Additionally, he said the industry should be able to assist the rice and sugar industries as Guyana cannot be dependent on those alone to keep its economy from going under.

The next step for the association is to seek regional markets for local products; and, in time, as quality and costs improve, international markets would be sought so as to expand the C\craft industry.

(By Ravin Singh)