FALMOUTH, Trelawny

The cash-strapped Trelawny Basket and Tings will next month resume its basketry programme, following a donation of $112,000 from the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) Foundation.

The programme which involves the training of 15 persons across the parish in the art of making baskets was suspended last year, due to financial constraints.

President of the association, Hycinthia Wright told the Observer West that on completion of the three-week course the graduates will be involved in the training of roughly 250 persons in four clusters across the parish.

It is hoped that on completion of the course, the graduates will be certified by the HEART TRUST as basketry trainers.

Wright who conceptualised the project said yesterday that the initiative is geared to create employment and to tap into the expected influx of visitors to the parish on completion of the multi -million Falmouth cruise shipping pier.

Meanwhile, secretary of Basket and Tings, Cara Ledgister said the association is already seeking avenues to market the finished products.

“We have already found a space in the arcade (Albert George Shopping Centre) where we will put up our displays and that is where persons will be able to source the products,” Ledgister said.

She added that the association is also in the process of identifying a suitable location for the production of the craft items.

Meanwhile, mayor of Falmouth Colin Gager has commended the association for what he described as its vision and foresight in undertaking the venture.

“Your mandate or what I believe should be your motto: to re-energise and empower artisans of Trelawny is most commendable,” he said.