Thirty residents of a village in Region Three are to benefit from a training course in bamboo weaving techniques courtesy of the Govern-ment of China, a Department of Public Information (DPI) release stated on Friday.
The programme was officially launched on Friday by the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond along with the Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan in Santa Aratack Village in Region Three.
Walrond expressed appreciation to the Government of China and noted that the training is more than just learning a craft. “It’s about empowering our people and building a foundation for self-sustainability. Our government recognises the immense potential in our indigenous communities and we are dedicated to enhancing the human resource capacity across the nation, by investing in training programmes like this we aim to equip our citizens with the skills and knowledge, needed to thrive independently.”
The training is being conducted by the International Organisation on Bamboo and Rattan through the Chinese Embassy. It introduces modern techniques and technology to enhance traditional knowledge while maintaining their unique cultural identities.
Walrond noted that the community has a rich legacy in creating and promoting indigenous craft items and is considered amongst the best in the country. She posited that the initiative will allow for diversifying that product offering, by utilising locally sourced bamboo, and will also serve as a testament to the broader commitment to sustainable tourism development, and promoting local craftmanship and sustainable tourism preserves cultural heritage and creates economic opportunities.
Ambassador Haiyan stated that this training course will benefit the village tremendously and help them maintain the environment. “Chinese bamboo weaving masters will teach bamboo and rattan weaving techniques, here I strongly believe that after training … craftsmen would be able to develop more bamboo and rattan tourism products and promote further development of local eco-tourism in the future”, she said.
The Ambassador observed that Guyana has vast land spaces suitable for growing bamboo, recalling the minister’s statement that bamboo and rattan products can effectively replace the consumption of wood and plastic so pollution and environmental damage can be reduced.
Toshao Christopher Gouveia meanwhile, urged the participants to grasp the opportunity and learn to make items from bamboo.
“I want to thank both governments, the Guyanese Government and the Chinese Government for their full support with this,” he added.
