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| Minister of Tourism Hon Malcolm Guishard flanked by members of The Majestic Oualians string band |
Charlestown Nevis (February 22, 2006) -- Minister of Tourism and Culture Hon Malcolm Guishard, applauded the efforts of persons involved in arts and crafts on Nevis and urged them to continue the good work since their products formed an integral part of the Nevis tourism product.
The Minister was at the time delivering brief remarks at the start of the week long event which opened at the Craft House at the Pinneys Industrial Estate on Monday February 20, 2006 as part of a week of activities to mark Tourism Week 2005/6.
Mr Guishard said his Ministry had encouraged persons to get involved in Arts and Crafts and had placed much emphasis on attractiveness which was an important ingredient in marketing their products.
I want to encourage us all not only to be involved in the craft work but to display it in a prominent place and display it in a pleasing manner. I want to congratulate all of you for getting involved in the trade.
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| Nevisian hand made jewellery on show |
"We have been encouraging persons as a government and from the Ministry of Tourism, to get into the craft trade to produce and not only to produce but to display their wares in such a manner that the tourists, the visitor or even returning nationals would be forced to look at the display and eventually purchase something&I am encouraging us all, to continue the trade, continue the good work, continue to support the industry, continue to support the country and we will all be the better for it," he said.
Meantime, Principal Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Trade Ms Jacqueline Brookes said the Ministry was pleased to be associated with the exhibition because of the involvement of youth in arts and crafts and it supported healthy trading.
Ms Brookes took the opportunity to invite persons involved and those wishing to own small businesses to take advantage of the funding opportunities made available by the Nevis Island Administration through the Small Enterprise Development Unit of the Ministry of Trade for young artists and budding business persons particularly in the cottage industries.
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| Local pottery and furniture |
The Nevis Island Administration has assisted by making the Entrepreneurial Development Fund available for young artists and budding businessmen and women so that they could access the funds to start or expand their business. The Art and Craft business are very fortunate in that they fall within the realm of eligibility or eligible persons and therefore there would be very little obstacles in their way when it comes to securing a loan.
I would therefore like to encourage the artists who have their items exhibited here today and say now that you have found something you like to do get paid for doing it. So set up your business if you have not yet done so and get going. The Small Enterprise Development Unit is there to assist you with advice, expertise, training and funding, take advantage of this and move your business forward to progress and success, Ms Brookes said.
Mrs Yvonne Guishard, wife of the Tourism Minister, declared the exhibition opened. She was also presented with a gift from a student of the Special Education Unit. Also another donation was made by Queen City Taxi Association to the Special Olympians to assist with their travels to the Special Olympics to be held in China in 2007.
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| Students of the Special Education Unit viewing the exhibits |
The function was chaired by Ms Deborah Tyrell, Head of the Small Enterprise Development Unit while The Majestic Oualians string band provided musical accompaniment. Also present were Director of Culture Mrs Ernestine Rawlins and Ms Nicole Liburd Chairman of the Tourism Week Steering Committee.
