Basseterre, St. Kitts, September 10, 2018 (SKNIS): The Ministry of Tourism is currently holding a week long Leather Craft Training Workshop at the Newtown Community Centre with the aim of advancing the development and integration of creative products using leather and providing technical support for leather crafters.
At the opening ceremony for the September 10 to 14 workshop, Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Lindsay Grant, stated that the government is focused on the holistic development of citizens and the tourism product. He added that the government will continue to explore multiple avenues through which livelihoods can be enhanced, human capacity can be strengthened and the tourism sector workforce and people in general can be prepared to be true ambassadors.
“Some of the main objectives of this workshop are to provide relevant technical assistance and help local artisans to hone the related business skillsets so you can consistently and constantly deliver excellent service and local products to our visitors and to your fellow citizens.”
Minister Grant said that the Ministry of Tourism is pleased to endorse the hosting of the workshop.
“We are fully invested in its implementation which is designed to sharpen the skills of artisans involved in the leather craft,” he said. “There is no doubt that there is a strong need for authentic, unique and very well made and reasonably priced local craft. These are the additional dimensions that sharpen our competitive edge and add to our appeal as a destination that is proud of our culture and of our heritage.”
At the end of the workshop, the top five participants will be selected to travel to Colombia. They will have a two week stint in Colombia under an internship scholarship programme covered by SENA Training Institute. The internship programme will cover airfare, accommodation, meals, medical card, a translator and transportation.
“This of course is a win, a win opportunity for you,” Minister Grant said to the participants. “A free workshop and free internship and the five lucky candidates will have an opportunity to participate in apprentice training and to visit various reputable industrial leather companies with contemporary looks to their products.”
The minister encouraged the participants to do their best to distinguish themselves, to be keen learners and to give their utmost to apply the skills shared at the workshop.
“Do all you can to take advantage of this very great opportunity to improve your production and marketing skills and to leave your facilitators with fond memories of their brief stay with us,” he said.
The workshop was organized by Sharleen Welcome in the Ministry of Tourism and Shelisa Davis of the Craft House. Minister Grant said that they worked diligently and tirelessly to bring the workshop into fruition.
The workshop is being facilitated by the SENA Training Institute in Colombia.