–Minister Walrond announces during recent visit to Santa Aratack

A FASCINATING project to promote and preserve the rich legacy of Guyana’s Indigenous peoples was recently unveiled by Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, during a visit to the Amerindian community of Santa Aratack in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

She announced that the government was exploring the creation of a “permanent presence” for indigenous craft in Barbados—a move that would unlock new business prospects for local craftspeople and cement cultural ties between the two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries.

She brought up the fact that Guyana and Barbados signed the St. Barnabas Accord two years ago, which, among other things, commits them to looking into the idea of creating a duty-free zone for the sale of locally made crafts at their ports.

She began by outlining Guyana’s three-year plan to send indigenous crafts and other locally made goods to Barbados for the Agro-Fest. She said that the demand was far higher than supply. Minister Walrond said that there was a lot of promise for those items and that “we are now working to have a permanent presence for our craft in Barbados.”
With visitor arrivals continuing to climb, the minister noted that more tourists are actively seeking memorabilia to take back with them. Additionally, there is a growing community of expatriates who wish to incorporate local craft in their homes, according to her.

Santa Aratack boasts a vibrant craft shop, nestled within its Amerindian village, that serves as a showcase of the community’s rich cultural heritage. The shop is filled with intricately woven baskets, beautifully carved wooden items, and vibrant beadwork, all handcrafted by local artisans.

Each piece reflects the deep traditions and skills passed down through generations, making the shop a hub of creativity and cultural preservation. Visitors are drawn to the unique, authentic pieces, which tell the stories of the Indigenous people.

The shop not only supports the local economy but also keeps the village’s artistic traditions alive. According to Minister Walrond, this Amerindian settlement has a rich legacy of promoting indigenous craft items which are among the best in the country.

Last month, the minister visited Santa Aratack to launch a transformative training course on bamboo and rattan product development technology which will benefit 30 residents.

The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the Guyana Tourism Authority, and the International Center for Bamboo and Rattan, China, facilitated through the Chinese Embassy in Guyana.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Walrond highlighted the significance of the training as a symbol of the strengthened partnership between Guyana and China through knowledge exchange.

She emphasised that the training course was not merely about acquiring a craft, but also about empowering individuals and laying the groundwork for self-sustainability.

The minister added: “The PPP/C government is dedicated to enhancing human resource capacity across the nation’s indigenous communities, recognising their immense potential. By investing in training programmes like this, we equip our citizens with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive.”