Handicraft for empowerment – A dynamic woman triumphs over challenges

By Venessa Deosaran

When faced with challenges, designer and craftswoman Esther Benjamin knows the remedy: determination and being proactive are what she knows.
Benjamin, originally from Georgetown, moved to Linden with her family at age 7. She worked with a bauxite mining company for more than two decades in Linden, but after she was laid off, Benjamin was confronted with how she would now make a livelihood. She had to find a means of survival, and so she was prompted to take classes in catering, tie-dye and batik.
Developing herself in the trade of sewing and craft making, Benjamin looked for courses to help her be more competent.  After much training from the Linden Economic Advancement Programme and EMPRETEC Guyana, she was able, along with four other ladies, to form the Linden Textile Arts (LTA) in 1996.
Benjamin, president of the LTA, and her group, have attended various exhibitions in and out of Linden. They were privileged to learn the pros and cons of the fashion industry from veteran designer Donna Ramsammy-James.
“It was a six-week programme in designing and how to keep a fashion show. We benefitted a lot from her and this has helped us in producing quality work because she is known for that,” Benjamin told Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.
LTA specializes in hand-dyed batik and tie-dye fabrics, which are then made into clothing and home décor items. These beautifully handcrafted items are made in a variety of colours and designs and are produced with quality materials.

The talented women came together to pool their resources to form this dynamic group. The organisation has benefitted from technical assistance by LEAP, funded by the government of Guyana and the European Commission.
Collectively, the women have many years experience as seamstresses, and have also participated in entrepreneurial training. Their vision for LTA is that it develops into a viable commercial entity, enabling them to establish a custom-built workshop resulting in employment for other women in their community.
LTA produces tie-dye and batik fabric panels, printed products such as tablecloth and napkins, tablemats, quilts, batik pictures, wall hanging, bags and cushion covers, and fashionable clothing for everyone.
“Our clientele is mostly from Georgetown because business isn’t so bright in Linden. I’m part of the Guyana Arts and Crafts Association, and was privileged to go to the Dominican Republic for an exhibition last year. I took my batik work, which was well received by persons there. I have attended other numerous exhibitions in and out of Guyana.  I sew at home right now, coming up with my own designs and not replicating. The other ladies help the group with their skills and add their own innovation in creating various craft items and designs,” Benjamin revealed.
Calling on relevant authorities, Benjamin pleaded that there is a need for more funding and markets for craft workers.

Later in the year, Benjamin hopes to start classes for all those who are interested in the work she does. “I’m also thinking about starting classes to pass on what I know to others, but I need a space to do that for the many who want to learn in Linden. I hope to do so in September. Our work at LTA speaks volumes because many persons notice that we produce quality work. We had even designed materials for Carifesta, and through that we had received much praise and recognition,” Benjamin pointed out.
She and her group are advocating for more to be done for women in Linden as there is a lack of interest shown in their development in that region. (Taken from Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)