Barbados Looks to Support Local Artisans

By the Caribbean Journal staff

For many visitors to Barbados, local crafts are the “pieces of the rock” that accompany them back to their homes.

Now, Barbados’ government says it is looking to continue those that create them.

The next step could be the creation of a full-time facility to display local handiworks.

“We are intent on taking the process further as we are currently exploring the establishment of a permanent showroom where craft persons can display their ware and take orders,” said Industry Minister Denis Kellman.

According to Kellman, the production of crafts is a “significant sub-sector within the small business sector of Barbados,” and he advised artisans to “begin to understand, that as you design and bring your piece of craft to life, you are extending the life of your country, whether by generating employment, economic activity or foreign exchange.”

For a number of tourists, local handiworks hold inside tourists’ memories of their trips to Barbados. “It is that ‘piece’ of Barbados that continues to speak to them even if he or she never visits Barbados again,” he said.

The Minister gave artisans his assurance that the government would maintain its support for the sector, with assistance from the National Enterprise Grant Programme, FundAccess and the Barbados Investment Development Corporation.

“The craft you produce goes beyond a representation of yourself and maybe even your professional pride,” Kellman told local artisans. “Your craft is a representation of your country.”