Page 6 - JAMVAC Newsletter - MAR 2022
P. 6
Jamaica has a rich history of
being home to some of the
world’s most talented artisans
producing high-quality pieces.
Crafting For the Craft Traders of Jamaica,
the cruise industry plays an
a Culture of Excellence important role in supporting the
lives and livelihoods of artisans,
from Ocho Rios to the World entrepreneurs, and other
businesses in the sector.
Minutes away f rom the Founded in 2007 to bridge the The pandemic, especially the first
award-winning Ocho Rios gap between artisans, craft entre- year, has had a significant impact
cruise port are hundreds preneurs and other stakeholders on the livelihoods of the craft sector
of friendly, professional, in the industry, ORCC’s mandate and by extension, the communities
and gifted artisans crafting is to set and help to maintain in which they live and work. “It was
their way into the hearts standards for excellence in product very hard at first to live through
and homes of visitors and and service; create equal oppor- the reality of a closed port over an
locals alike. The Ocho Rios tunities for business; and foster extended period. We have grown
Craft Council (ORCC) is the an environment of collaboration accustomed to a lively Ocho Rios
oversight body charged with towards growth. The vision of using port and welcoming visitors to
administering the operations arts to change lives, create beauti- Jamaica. This experience has been
of 1,100 active craft traders ful products, and build commu- eye-opening and challenging but
and 8 craft markets located nities continues to flourish after we are grateful for the govern-
in the Greater Ocho Rios area. 15 years. ment grants and other forms of
support given to craft traders”, Mr
According to ORCC President, Mr Mitchell said.
Devon Mitchell, “our members
are now a unified body, moving The Government of Jamaica has
forward in one accord and now provided financial grants valued
appreciate the importance of their at $70,000 to approved members
individual contribution. The work of the craft sector, and contin-
of the Council has made the formal ues a program of training and
industry more receptive to doing education across the tourism and
business with craft traders and hospitality sector to build resil-
artisans. We are proud to now be ience and continuously improve
recognized by our industry and Jamaica’s tourism product. The
by visitors for the quality of our outlook for 2022 is very positive
work and the professionalism of with a gradual return to operations
our members.” to safely welcome cruise visitors
to Jamaica.
6 J AMAIC A CRUISING ISSUE #4
