TPDConnect TPDCONNECT SEPTEMBER 2017 | Page 33

CRAFT COTTAGE The small but vivacious team comprising the Craft Unit continues its focus of developing Jamaica’s art and craft offerings and to guarantee that authentically Jamaican-made items are available on a sustained basis. In addition to the regular monthly meetings with the Traders, the Depart- ment continues to forge paths for collaborative trainings with HEART Trust and other agencies in a bid to enhance the craft experience. In keeping with the Ministry of T ourism’s Pillars of Growth, the Craft Unit, on the axis of “Lean and Mean”, spins to attain newness particularly in products and the development of human capital. Consequently, the unit has embarked on an island wide craft skills training. The aim is to find persons with vested interests in being producers of arts and crafts and, more importantly, those who are willing to learn new skills. After 24 hours of intervention, the once, novices to the different craft areas were able to produce craft items utilizing stone, coconut shell, tie- dye and hardanger . The pictorial evidence will underscore how talented and proud the training participants are as their imagination becomes a realistic piece of artwork. The Craft Development team hosted a tie and dye training session for some 21 community members from Olympic Gardens. The session was held on September 06, 2017