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Handicraft artisans will soon have the opportunity to trade their products during Carnival events come next year, says Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis.
She was speaking last Friday at the opening ceremony of the National Christmas Craft Market at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. The initiative is co-ordinated by State agency Export Centres Company Ltd (ECCL) which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Sport and Community Development.
Cudjoe-Lewis noted that partnership with entities within the Carnival industry is under way, saying, “I am happy to announce, based on my discussions with the (ECCL) chairman, that next year we will be collaborating with some key soca stars and the music industry to bring some of these (artisans) to their parties and events to provide more opportunities for artisans to showcase their talent and to have access to a new market.”
She also praised the quality of work churned out by local artisans, confirming that items she bought locally, compared to other countries, had durability.
ExporTT and ECCL were credited for training and support to artisans.
Mentioning that the market was originally at the Queen’s Park Savannah paddock, the minister emphasised a bigger space allowed for more artisans to participate. Though it was costly project, she said the present location is ideal because it is covered and secure, providing the organisers with a greater opportunity to expand this year’s offering. Further, the number of days for the market has increased from one day to three days for the public.
The three-day Christmas craft market facilitated 100 artisans and featured eight women from the Tobago She Trade programme.
Cudjoe-Lewis also highlighted the presence of the First People’s inclusion in the market, stating that the First People were also part of the Prime Minister’s Best Village competition. She believes the Covid-19 pandemic spurred many people to learn new skills and as such coming out of the pandemic were new innovators who can now earn an income from that skill.
“That has turned into a new appetite and desire among our people, especially our women, to find things and put their hands and hearts to work,” she said.
This year saw an increase in vendors compared to last year which only accommodated 50 vendors. Products ranged from clothing, jewelry, footwear, foods, wines, soaps, arts, beauty products and traditional home décor.
Patrons also had to luxury of entertainment and a play section for children while they browsed and shopped at the market space.
Also in attendance were Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Dr Amery Browne, ECCL chairman Roger Roach, deputy ECCL chairman Montgomery Guy and British High Commissioner Harriet Cross and other diplomats.
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