Last Updated on July 11, 2020, 6:52 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Hon. Floyd Green, Jamaica’s State Minister for Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, said that the launch of the National Craft Policy would further amplify brand Jamaica in the international market.
He noted that Craft is an industry which can stand on its own, and this policy signals the world that Jamaica has a strong and viable industry.
The policy would ensure that there is proper marketing of the unique brand and that proper mechanisms are there regarding the growth and stability of this industry.
The State Minister, said this while he was speaking at the virtual launch of the policy on Thursday (July 9), said that the document was developed with the input of all the stakeholders.
He added that this policy took an all-inclusive approach as they listened to the craft traders and producers regarding what they needed, and they took that consultative process seriously.
He said that the document provides a framework for the growth of the craft industry.
The Minister pointed out that Craft is important in the Jamaican experience, and for many years there has been a need for facilitating sustainable growth. It ensures that measures are being incorporated, which would encourage the entrepreneurs to get into Craft and also that new technology is being infused in the sector for boosting innovation and promotion.
Valerie Veira, CEO of the Jamaica Business Development Corporation, said that the policy represents the values of the organisation.
She said that the document resembles what the JBDC stands for, from concept to market; it is a full, rich value chain which starts with raw materials and the producers. There is a lot of work which has to be done and today marks the start of an all-inclusive mission of moving the Craft industry forward.
The Policy, which has been developed in partnership with the JBDC, aims to streamline the Jamaican craft industry by facilitating improvements in variety, value, quality, sales, customer satisfaction as well as profits.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
