The recent launch of La Tortue Hand Crafting Studio in Laborie, St. Lucia, under the Community Business Revitalization Project, is a significant boost for the southern community’s economic and cultural development.
The studio, which was officially opened on November 13, 2024, is a collaboration between the Ministry of Commerce and the Taiwan Technical Mission. The project aims to build capacity among micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), strengthen their product design and marketing, product tag, develop impactful community branding and promotion, and create service centers along with relevant signage and map boards to ensure heightened visibility.
The studio is the second community to benefit under the project, the first being Fond St. Jacques, where an Interpretation Center was established. Other initiatives include the first-ever Fond St. Jacques Dasheen Festival, launching of a community newsletter, hosting of a Young Entrepreneur Summer Camp, and a training camp for tourism seed teachers. These initiatives have effectively promoted community tourism, marketed local products, inspired young talent, and strengthened community cohesion.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, H.E. Peter Chia-Yen Chen, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, said that after living in Saint Lucia for nearly five years, he continues to be impressed by the craftsmanship of the Laborian artisans. “These creations are not only art; they embody the culture and spirits of Saint Lucia and have incredible potential as commercial products,” he said.
Ambassador Chen thanked Hon. Alva Baptiste and Ambassador Julian Dubois for their support, which enabled the grand opening of the Papèl Craft Centre, as well as Hon. Emma Hippolyte, officials from the Ministry of Commerce, members of the Laborie/Augier Constituency Council, Laborie Development Foundation, Papèl Craft Centre, Anse Kawet Crafters, and colleagues from the Taiwan Technical Mission who contributed to the project’s success.
Mr. Jonathan Allain, Director of the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), delivered remarks on behalf of Hon. Emma Hippolyte, Minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs. He said a partnership among the Ministry, Taiwan Technical Mission and Anse Kawet Crafters facilitated a five-day jewelry-making workshop for 19 participants. The workshop aimed to help create financial independence for unemployed youths, single mothers, retirees, and the differently-abled.
Mrs. Avice Louisy-James, President of Anse Kawet Crafters, explained that since the facility was first opened in 2011, members of Anse Kawet Crafters have been eagerly awaiting a transformative project such as the Community Business Revitalization Project. She said the facility aims to foster and develop craft skills among unemployed people, thereby giving them an opportunity to use their skills to generate livelihoods.
Ms. Arleen Wilson, Chairperson of the Laborie/Augier Constituency Council, also spoke at the ceremony, thanking all stakeholders for making the new facility available. She said the Anse Kawet Crafters will continue to share their wealth of knowledge with anyone willing to participate in training workshops.
The launch ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including H.E. Dame Pearlette Louisy, former Governor General of Saint Lucia; H.E. Julian Dubois, Ambassador of Diaspora Affairs; Mr. Wayne Cumberbatch, Mayor of Vieux Fort; Mrs. Agatha Jn. Panel, former Government Senator; and principals from schools within the Laborie/Augier constituency.
Conclusion:
The launch of La Tortue Hand Crafting Studio is a significant milestone in the Community Business Revitalization Project, which aims to promote economic and cultural development in Laborie, St. Lucia. The studio provides a platform for local artisans to showcase their talents and create financial independence, while also promoting community tourism and marketing local products.
FAQs:
Q: What is the Community Business Revitalization Project?
A: The Community Business Revitalization Project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Commerce and the Taiwan Technical Mission to promote economic and cultural development in Laborie, St. Lucia.
Q: What is the purpose of La Tortue Hand Crafting Studio?
A: The studio aims to provide a platform for local artisans to showcase their talents and create financial independence, while also promoting community tourism and marketing local products.
Q: Who are the stakeholders involved in the project?
A: The stakeholders involved in the project include the Ministry of Commerce, Taiwan Technical Mission, Anse Kawet Crafters, Laborie Development Foundation, Papèl Craft Centre, and Laborie/Augier Constituency Council.
Q: What are the benefits of the project?
A: The project aims to promote economic and cultural development in Laborie, St. Lucia, by providing a platform for local artisans to showcase their talents, create financial independence, and promote community tourism and marketing local products.
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