Press Release
The Small Business Management and Financial Skills workshop that attracted over twelve craft producers from St.Kitts and Nevis five of which were participants from Nevis came to a close on Friday March 6, 2015. The four day training, held at the FND Credit Union conference centre in St Kitts commenced on Tuesday March 3, when Nevis’s Ministry of Tourism Acting Permanent Secretary Carl Williams delivered remarks.
He told participants that they must not only demonstrate their prowess in the manufacturing of excellent products but, also in the management of their finances if their business venture is to survive.
“Research has shown that the Craft industry is a key strategy for sustainable development and the creation of employment opportunities, which invariably contribute to economic growth. It is very evident that there has been a surge in the demand for craft products and so it is important that our craft producers equip themselves with the necessary tools to satisfy this growing industry.”
“In order for craft producers to derive economic benefits, it is absolutely necessary for them to gain an understanding, not only of the retail trade but equally important, they must understand the financial management aspect as well.”
Meanwhile, at Friday’s closing exercise Acting Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Tourism Diannille Taylor-Williams said that training workshops of this quality warrants the sustainability of St Kitts and Nevis tourism product.
“When we speak about being a sustained tourism destination we speak of the preservation of our heritage and environment while at the same time about the empowering of our people so that their quality of life is improved, and just as achieving sustainability is not a destination to be reached but rather a journey, so too is this training opportunity . All we are doing here today is celebrating a milestone on the journey.”
The training workshop covered a number of aspects critical to functioning of a thriving business. Some of the areas exposed to included starting a business, how to apply for a business licence, registering a business, basic accounting practices, marketing, selling and displaying the product.
The workshop has been described as a success but trainer and course facilitator Carol Boddie said true success would become evident when participants employ the benefits derived from the training into action.
“You talk about it being a success, what I can say we had some good times and input from all. Everyone contributed to this training workshop. I will define the success when I walk into Amena Craft Market or if I visit the Nevis Craft House and I can see being implemented some of the things that we spoke about.”
Nevisian participant Tanisha Hendrickson said she has benefited immensely from the four day training and is ready to execute what she learned given that it compliments her role at the Nevis Craft House. Hendrickson articulated appreciation to organisers on behalf of fellow participants.
OAS resident representative to St Kitts Nevis Terence Craig, presented the participants with certificates for having successfully completed the workshop with assistance from Senior Tourism Projects Officer in the federal Ministry of Tourism Novellette Morton. Nevis’ Product Development Officer Nicole Liburd who coordinated the hosting of the training exercise was also part of the closing exercise.
The March 3 – 6 2015 workshop is a collaborative effort of the Nevis Ministry of tourism and the St.Kitts Ministry of Tourism sponsored by Organisation of American States. It also forms part of a regional Craft Enhancement and Business Planning Project which started in 2014.