…hoping for a turn-around in fortunes

By Alex Wayne
In July 2009 an article appeared in this publication in relation to the lamenting of craftwork traders who ply their trade on Main Street, Georgetown. At that time the craftsmen were complaining about the lack of recognition for their work which they felt contributed a lot in enhancing the tourism potential of this country.The craftsmen, a few days ago, again approached our reporter with complaints that from since that time nothing has been done by the relative authorities to provide them with better facilities to display and market their products. And that almost nothing was being done to heighten the significance of what they did.
These artists and craftsmen, numbering over ten, display their items on the pavement on canvas, on large pieces of plastic, or on the concrete benches placed along the Main Street Avenue for citizens to relax or shelter from the hot rays of the sun.
Their sculptures and craftwork have become a familiar sight along Main Street, and though it may appear that all is bright and beautiful, these traders explain that the constraints they face are overpowering to the extent that a few have already closed shop and are seeking other avenues of earning a dollar.
Some of the craftsmen complained about the lack of proper sheds or tents to escape the elements of weather, emphasising that they have to make a mad scramble to cover their products during heavy downpours. They also mentioned that the harsh rays of sunlight soon damaged their sculpture, removing the ‘nice glossy sheen’ that is often seen on the sculptures.
One vendor related that during the regime of the former Government, they had made representation to the Mayor and City Council to have sheds and they were told to use their own monies to purchase the tents they needed. Some said this was hard to do since sales of their items most times were “not hot” in the city. They said sales will heighten during the annual Mashramani festivities and somewhat at Christmas. Some lamented that the lack of the customary annual Main Street Lime had also seen a business downturn for them.
The men are of the opinion that they should be given booths like those in the Vendors Arcade where they can properly market and store their products to prevent damage or deterioration. Some said that efforts to obtain small business loans to build proper storage facilities and expand their trade had proved futile.
The men are of the opinion that their craftwork showcases the rich artistic talents of Guyanese, and as such should be treated with more respect by those concerned. They feel that their trade is viewed as of little importance by authorities and is only acknowledged by visiting tourists, who are always eager to purchase their pieces.
Roy Prince who has been trading on Main Street, for over twelve years, informed that upon approaching the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) for a small loan to expand he was told that all the vendors will have to approach the entity as a body to access same. He said that recently they approached some commercial banks like they did in 2009 but again failed to get same. Prince said he passed such information to other traders but many were reluctant to approach the loaning organistion as a body since many are ‘operating under various production names’.
Shabaka Prince who has been there since before 2009, opined that because of the lack of focus given to their trade, they face the doom of eventually ‘losing their art’. He said it’s because of this reason, many craft traders have migrated to other countries seeking ‘betterment’ for their trade.
Like they did in years gone by, the craftsmen still feel that their trade should be given more exposure in the media, especially via tourism and culture magazines, as well as brochures.
When the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture Youth and Sports was contacted last week, a representative there related that over the years, the craftsmen were offered spaces (small shops) in the Hibiscus Plaza outside the GPO Building, but they had turned down the offer demanding to be located at a special area where they can trade by themselves. However, the craftsmen are complaining that they cannot afford the rental fees for the small shops in the Hibiscus Plaza since sale of their items always fluctuates.
Some of the traders said that because of the constraints they face, they are forced to sometimes sell their items for ‘next to nothing’ to elites in society who in turn retail the same items for a fortune to foreign purchasers, or tourists staying at top hotels.
The craftsmen are requesting that a special body be created to deal with their concerns.