…residents promised further assistance
Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Manniram Prashad visited the communities of Kabakaburi and St Monica on Wednesday, and commissioned the bamboo boiling pot provided by his ministry to the community of Kabakaburi and St. Monica, in the Upper Pomeroon River of Region 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam). The minister and his team met with Kabakaburi village Toshao Ms. Lorna Williams, Councillor and former Toshao Edward Smith, Councillor Orin Thomas, and members of the Kabakaburi Handicraft Association to discuss how the ministry can assist in marketing the products and expanding the craft production of the community.
This is the first Amerindian village in Region 2 to be producing bamboo weaving and furniture.
Located some 40 miles from Charity in the Upper Pomeroon River, the community of about 800 persons is utilizing bamboo, growing in abundance, to produce craft with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, which has provided the community with the bamboo boiling pot made of steel and galvanized accessories for treating bamboo materials, kiln/clay brick stove, and other facilities to conduct training in bamboo craft and furniture-making. Over $1M has been expended on this facility.
Thirty-two persons, including youths and single-parents, were trained in bamboo craft and furniture-making by Mr. Donrade Correria, a beneficiary of the bamboo technology training conducted in Guyana by experts from China. Mr Correria had also attended a two-month training course in bamboo craft in China.
The Tourism Ministry moreover facilitated the erection of a signboard at the entrance of Kabakaburi to show its support for sustaining business/economic activities for sustained livelihoods in the community.
Minister Prashad said he was impressed with the bamboo craft and furniture-making being done by the hard-working community, and assured that his ministry would continue to support the community to ensure the growth of its craft production.
He also noted that whilst it helps to generate employment in the community, which in turn will improve the lives of the villagers, these activities showcase the talent and skills of the warm people of the community.
According to Prashad, Amerindian communities in Guyana have great natural and human resources, along with a rich cultural heritage that has tremendous potential for tourism activities as well.
On this note, he gave his assurances that the Government is committed to the development of its indigenous peoples, and as such will continue to foster the indigenous people’s development.
According to Toshao Williams, the project is a boost for the community, since it is helping to create employment for residents, especially its youths and single parents.
She extended gratitude for the support being given to the community, and said residents are looking at the extension of the facility to do their craft production and setting up a facility to showcase their products.
Minister Prashad and his team also visited the neighbouring community of St. Monica and met with village Toshao Thomas Charles, who noted that his community is also interested in craft production.
During the period 2008– 2010, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), executed the Youth Poverty Alleviation for Tourism and Heritage (PATH) Project under which residents of Kabakaburi, Akawini and St. Monica in Region 2 received training under the title: “Skill training in the production of indigenous craft and the development of natural heritage sites.”
Over 75 persons from these communities benefited from training in various areas: small business; heritage and tour guiding; and the production and marketing techniques of coconut fibre products.