The site for a $10 million lapidary in Monkey Mountain, in the North Pakaraimas, Region Eight, has been identified and construction is expected to commence soon, according to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.
While only a quarter acre of land was requested for the construction of the facility, the village has decided to set aside an acre of land, which will see the construction of a 40 ft x 20 ft facility, which will house a workshop, exhibit area, washrooms and security area, the ministry said in a statement issued last Monday.
Essentially, the facility, once operable, will produce jewellery, ornaments and exotic furniture pieces using semi-precious stones which can be found in abundance on the plains of the Pakaraimas.