THE EDITOR, Sir:I HAVE just read that the Jamaica Exporters Association (JEA) is "targeting the craft industry for improvement this year".
Over the past many years we have had so many programmes targeting this industry, and most of them came to nothing.
Years ago we had a very good organisation called "Things Jamaican" which trained people, brought in teachers from abroad and sold the finished products in some cases. For some years it was a vibrant organisation.
Things Jamaican developed into an islandwide organisation. Ministry Paper #19 "A Craft Development Policy for Jamaica" give a detailed plan for the craft industry and should be read by anyone wanting to set up a proper craft industry.
Sure, there were mistakes, but in its heyday, it was on the right track, and was producing good results.
Until the relevant powers that be recognise the importance of this industry which provides work for mainly less-privileged, stay-at-home women, and gives it the priority that it deserves, there will be no improvement in the craft industry.
The Organisation of American States declared 1982 the year of Handicraft and the Popular Arts. How sad that since then we have made a steady decline in reviving the craft industry in Jamaica!
I am etc.,
SALLY ASHER
The Craft Cottage
The Village Plaza
24 Constant Spring Rd.
Kingston 8
