| By Alex WayneTheir sculptures and craftwork have become a familiar sight in upper Main Street,NFL Jerseys Wholesale, and on the surface, business may appear to be bright, but Rastafarians who ply their trade there say all is not what it appears to be.In a recent interview with Kaieteur News, the artists complained about the lack of interest by those in charge of culture towards their welfare and the problems they face to make a living from their trade.But perhaps it’s their ‘positive’ Rastafarian philosophy that makes them believe that somewhere along the line things will change in their favour.Two of the Rastafarian craft vendors display their products on Main Street to a potential buyer. According to the artists, their foremost concern is that they are exposed daily to the harsh elements, since there are no sheds to shield their products.One artist said that during the Cricket World Cup season, they had made representation to the Mayor and City Council to have sheds and were told to purchase tents.Some of the craft vendors have purchased portable tents, but would use them on special occasions like the annual Main Street Lime event.The men, who number somewhere around 15, are of the opinion that they should be given booths like those in the Vendors Arcade where they can properly market and store their products to prevent damage or deterioration. Some vendors recently related that they had tried several entities to obtain loans to extend and properly establish their businesses but have encountered grave difficulties while trying.Their trade showcases the rich artistic potential of Guyanese, and as such should be treated with more respect and concern, the craftsmen said.They feel that their trade is ignored as of little importance by authorities and is only acknowledged by visiting tourists, who are always eager to purchase their pieces.Roy Prince, a popular craft vendor,China Jerseys Wholesale, said that last year, some vendors unsuccessfully tried to access loans from commercial banks.They then approached IPED, but were informed that they would have to approach the entity as a registered body.He added that vendors on Main Street already operate under different ‘production names’, though not registered and did not heed the suggestion.Shabaka Prince, another artist, said that Guyanese should appreciate their own or face the risk of losing the art.According to him, many craftsmen have migrated to countries where their trade is highly respected and they secure significant financial income.Some craft vendors feel that their trade needs more media and public focus and should be given more exposure, especially via the tourism and culture magazines and brochures.While the vendors feel that their trade would be better respected if they were housed in the Hibiscus Plaza booths outside the GPO Building, others feel that a special location should be erected to ensure the trade develops to its fullest and puts Guyana on the map as a significant supplier of their artistic sculptured pieces.However,Cheap Jerseys Outlet, the general consensus is that the booths are too expensive and cannot be afforded by the vendors,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, since they are faced with fluctuating sales.Some complained that they are sometimes forced to sell their craft to businessmen at reduced prices,Maglietta Juventus Bambino, who, in turn,wholesale nfl jerseys, sell the products for exorbitant prices.While they are voicing the need for a special agency to be formed to look into their welfare, they related that their major sales are recorded at Easter, Christmas, Emancipation celebrations, and Mashramani festivities. |
