- Norman Grindley Chinese-made key rings and ceramic cups promoting Jamaica.
SHOPPERS LOOKING to buy souvenirs here are in for grave disappointment, as few of these items being sold by vendors and in gift shops are authentic Jamaican products.
In many cases, a miniscule tag or etching in a corner of a key ring, mug, cup or magnetic clip bearing the colour, scenery and popular Jamaican expressions, identifies the product as "Made in China" or "Made in Taiwan".
One irate buyer, Ellen Swell, who purchased a dozen key rings recently to send abroad as souvenirs, was disappointed to find that the items were not Jamaican.
"I was disappointed and shocked," she said. "I would have been too embarrassed if I sent them abroad and foreigners saw made in China, on a 'Jamaica, no problem' key ring, what about our local industry."
Vendors in a limping craft industry characterised by high operational costs and closures, complain that it is impossible to compete with goods coming out of China, which are cheaper. They prefer to sell local items, but rely on imported ones because they are available.
Inansi Burke, proprietor of Art Beat, which makes souvenir bags, complained that the "situation is shameful. I firmly believe that if we don't make the goods we shouldn't sell it."
She also complained about cost and insufficiency of raw material available locally. Her company imports shells from Thailand which are used to decorate bags.
Another proprietor of a craft store in Kingston, who did not wish to have his name published, complained that the imported souvenirs are "mock up items that do not reflect true Jamaican culture.
"We sell the imported ones because they are readily available and not as expensive," he said.
Items visible on the shelves of craft and other retail stores include Rasta dolls and pencils, mugs, cups, magnets and key rings.
The dolls, pencils, ceramic cups are mostly made in China, while the dress or wool strands imitating Rasta hair are made here. Some plastic mugs seen printed with "Jamaica no problem" messages and other popular expressions are made in the United States.
The popular "reggae tiger" caps have a bold "made in Taiwan" tag sticking out at the back. Even symbols of strong national pride are being put together elsewhere.
"I am sad to see that even Jamaican flags are made in China," said Sameer Younis, president of the Jamaica Manufacturers' Assosiation (JMA), "but the truth is we, like most countries in the world, cannot compete with the technology of Far East countries."
Gobind Mohinani, director of Geeaar Wholesale Distributors Ltd. in Montego Bay, one of the largest suppliers of imported souvenir items, explained that "tourists don't mind the items as long as retailers don't try to pass them off as locally made."
He also explained that he "was forced into importing in order to stay in business because manufacturing is not encouraged by Government policy and the local industry is incapable of meeting the demand."
Mr. Mohinani said that he started manufacturing souvenirs, but had to stop because of production costs. He now also supports local souvenir makers but said he is often disappointed as they do not meet his demands.
"I asked one young man to supply 500 dozen of his items in three weeks. He promised he would but at the end of three weeks he only supplied 320 pieces," he said.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce is aware of the importation of souvenirs but does not have data to show the volume or dollar value of the industry. The Ministry's director of commerce, Andrene Collins, explained that "we live in a liberalised economy and there is no prohibition against the importation of souvenirs from China."
She added that "importations of souvenirs is not a threat but should be seen as an opportunity to encourage competition."
