Craft sector crisis …Government eyes stronger support as vendors point to imported products among major concerns

Minister of state in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce Delano Seiveright (right), and chief technical director in the ministry Latoya Richards-Franklin listen attentively as craft stakeholders outline key challenges and recommendations affecting the sector during a National Craft Council meeting.

Recognising growing concerns within Jamaica’s craft industry, minister of state in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce Delano Seiveright recently used a meeting of the National Craft Council to initiate talks on the challenges facing the sector.

The meeting brought together representatives of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce; the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport; the Planning Institute of Jamaica; Jamaica Business Development Corporation; HEART/NSTA Trust; the Urban Development Corporation; members of the National Craft Council; and representatives of the Alliance Craft Traders and Producers Association of Jamaica Limited (ACTAPAJ).

Seiveright invited ACTAPAJ representatives from across Jamaica to participate in the discussions, ensuring that artisans, vendors and market operators were able to speak directly with policymakers and technical officials about the challenges affecting their livelihoods and the future development of the sector.

Several participants spoke candidly about the condition of craft markets, many of which continue to struggle with the after-effects of Hurricane Melissa, declining visitor traffic, inadequate infrastructure, security concerns, and years of underinvestment.

Among the strongest concerns raised was the increasing presence of imported products designed to mimic Jamaican culture and aesthetics.

Vendors argued that these products often undercut authentic, locally made craft, making it difficult for Jamaican artisans to compete.

Market access was another major issue, with participants expressing frustration at what they described as limited opportunities for certified craft vendors to sell within hotels and resorts despite the strong linkages between craft and Jamaica’s tourism product.

The discussions also highlighted the need for stronger intellectual property protection, improved certification systems, enhanced digital marketing skills, greater business development support, youth engagement, leadership development, and initiatives aimed at attracting younger Jamaicans to the sector.

“Too often, decisions are discussed without sufficiently hearing from the people most affected. We wanted the vendors, artisans and market operators themselves in the room. Their concerns are legitimate, and many of the solutions will require coordinated action across Government, the tourism sector. and private stakeholders,” Seiveright said.

He noted that while craft is often associated with tourism, the sector’s challenges extend across multiple areas including culture, commerce, training, infrastructure, local government and social development.

“Craft is about much more than souvenirs. It supports livelihoods, preserves Jamaican culture, creates entrepreneurial opportunities, and strengthens linkages throughout the economy. That is why we are taking these concerns seriously,” added Seiveright.

The meeting also explored opportunities to improve craft market infrastructure, strengthen protection for authentic Jamaican products, expand training and certification programmes, improve access to tourism markets, and advance work on a revised National Craft Policy.

The National Craft Council is expected to develop a structured implementation programme to advance priority recommendations emerging from the discussions, with a focus on delivering measurable improvements across the sector over the coming months.

Source: Jamaica Observer