Guyana’s art and craft industry making progress

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor,

No doubt, Guyana has a very creative and fascinating art and craft industry. The talent in this field is endless. I am happy to say that Guyanese craft is known to be the best in the Caribbean. And I am extremely pleased to read that the Tourism Ministry has declared the government’s commitment to working with the Guyana Arts and Craft Producers Association (GACPA) in ensuring that the industry is further developed.

I do not think many local persons know how productive the art and craft industry is. GACPA’s membership is now 250 persons in total, with members coming from all ten administrative regions of Guyana. It is good to know that the tourism industry plans to set up an office for the association in Georgetown, as this will be another source of support for local craft producers.

Editor, the association should be recognized for its success in collaborating and networking with several entities in both the private and public sectors; as well as in participating in exhibitions in places like Brazil and Barbados, where a lot of interest was generated.

I read in your newspaper that GuyExpo is expected to be bigger this year, and the GACPA promises a huge participation at the event. This news got me excited, because I am a lover of art and craft, and I want to go to one location and have an abundance of arts and craft to choose from; and I am sure many others feel the same way.

Also, the ministry is looking at the possibility of hosting an annual international arts and craft show to promote, showcase and market our local products of high quality. Tourists know what we have here, but I hope locals give a little more attention to this phenomenal talent.

Further, I urge the government to continue to create a suitable environment for the industry, to enable it to develop further. A large number of arts and craft producers fall within the small business category, so I hope the Tourism Ministry will seek opportunities for these small business owners by providing incentives that would propel the growth and support of their businesses.

Yours respectfully,

M Ram

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