THE recent official launch of the La Tortue Hand Crafting Studio in Laborie under the Community Business Revitalization Project is being hailed as a positive boost for the southern community’s economic and cultural development.
On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, the unveiling ceremony was held at the Papèl Craft Centre at Rudy John Beach Park in Laborie, where members from Anse Kawet Crafters can now showcase their arts and craft items for sale and conduct training workshops.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, H.E. Peter Chia-Yen Chen, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, said that after living in Saint Lucia for nearly five years, he continues to be impressed by the craftsmanship of the Laborian artisans.
“These creations are not only art; they embody the culture and spirits of Saint Lucia and have incredible potential as commercial products,” said Ambassador Chen.
Ambassador Chen said he was delighted to see the Community Business Revitalization Project expand into Laborie, renowned for its rich bed and breakfast appeal and vast potential for tourism development.
“In collaboration with the esteemed Anse Kawet Crafters, we are proud to showcase the works of 19 talented participants from our jewelry-making workshop,” he said. “This remarkable beginning for the Community Business Revitalization Project in Laborie sets a strong foundation for the future.”
Ambassador Chen thanked Hon. Alva Baptiste and Ambassador Julian Dubois for their support which enabled the grand opening of the Papèl Craft Centre, as well as Hon. Emma Hippolyte, officials from the Ministry of Commerce, members of the Laborie/Augier Constituency Council, Laborie Development Foundation, Papèl Craft Centre, Anse Kawet Crafters, and colleagues from the Taiwan Technical Mission who contributed to the project’s success.
“I truly believe this project will positively impact the lives of the community residents, and enhance the portfolio of Laborie, attracting more visitors and investors,” Ambassador Chen said. “Together, let us strive forward with hope and anticipation for what lies ahead.”
The Community Business Revitalization Project, a collaboration between the Ministry of Commerce and the Taiwan Technical Mission, was launched in August 2023. It aims to build capacity among micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), strengthen their product design and marketing, product tag, develop impactful community branding and promotion, and create service centres along with relevant signage and map boards to ensure heightened visibility.
Laborie is the second community to benefit under the Project, the first being Fond St. Jacques, where an Interpretation Center was established. Other initiatives include the first-ever Fond St. Jacques Dasheen Festival, launching of a community newsletter, hosting of a Young Entrepreneur Summer Camp, and a training camp for tourism seed teachers. These initiatives have effectively promoted community tourism, marketed local products, inspired young talent, and strengthened community cohesion.
Hon. Alva Baptiste, Minister for External Affairs, International Trade, Civil, Aviation and Diaspora Affairs, and Parliamentary Representative for Laborie/Augier, thanked the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for continuing to support the socio-economic development of Saint Lucian communities. He recounted the many obstacles key persons within the constituency have had to overcome over the years to create a thriving entrepreneurial spirit in Laborie. He also highlighted the important roles craft centres play in a society.
“Traditional craft centres play a vital role in safeguarding and revitalizing historic, cultural and architectural artifacts,” Hon. Baptiste remarked. “They contribute to the preservation of traditional production methods that are in danger of fading away if we do not preserve them. Craft centres can provide educational initiatives for children aimed at enhancing creativity, encouraging self-expression and improving their skills in many ways unknown to your imagination. Craft centres can foster a lively community where individuals can exchange their experiences and form enduring connections.”
He added: “We always want to inject new meaning into the economy of our constituency. We believe we can only have a strong Saint Lucia if we have strong communities and strong economies at the various constituency levels. So we want to lead by example.”
Mr. Jonathan Allain, Director of the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), delivered remarks on behalf of Hon. Emma Hippolyte, Minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs. He said a partnership among the Ministry, Taiwan Technical Mission and Anse Kawet Crafters facilitated a five-day jewelry-making workshop for 19 participants. The workshop aimed to help create financial independence for unemployed youths, single mothers, retirees, and the differently-abled. On the final day of the workshop, the participants benefited from a presentation on Business Start-up Essentials and Business Registration via the DigiGov platform.
“This project is all-inclusive,” Allain said. “We welcome anyone with even a modicum of talent, drive and discipline to immediately access its benefits. As you would know, jewelry design starts with a measure of love for creating, and using your hands and minds to turn lofty ideas into something tangible. You’ve poured yourselves into your jewelry pieces — not just your time and effort, but your creativity, passion, and vision. Today’s buyers are craving authenticity. They’re searching for something with meaning, for handmade products with unique stories, for organic, personalized items crafted with care.”
Mr. Louis Tsou, Project Manager at the Taiwan Technical Mission, said part of the project included transforming an unused storage room into a vibrant, multi-purpose space, and that La Tortue Hand Crafting Studio will serve as a hub for learning, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Other aspects of the general location were also improved, he said.
“We’ve also spruced up the surrounding area with a brand-new photo point, picnic tables and road signs,” Tsou explained. “We hope these additions will entice tourists to pause, snap some photos, and share the beauty of Laborie with the world.”
He added: “The La Tortue Hand Crafting Studio is more than just a building; it’s a testament to the talent and resilience of the Laborie community. It’s a place where skills are honed, businesses are born, and dreams take flight.”
Meanwhile, Mrs. Avice Louisy-James, President of Anse Kawet Crafters, explained that since the facility was first opened in 2011, members of Anse Kawet Crafters have been eagerly awaiting a transformative project such as the Community Business Revitalization Project. She said the facility aims to foster and develop craft skills among unemployed people, thereby giving them an opportunity to use their skills to generate livelihoods. She noted that due to a lack of financial resources, that mission became difficult, until she received a proposal from Mr. Louis Tsou, Project Manager for the Taiwan Technical Mission, to revitalize the Papèl Craft Centre.
“Laborie has become an integral part of the tourist industry, and thus the new developments in the structural change of the Centre will enable more beneficial activity to all,” she said. “Therefore, such a venture will not allow us to remain mere victims of our circumstances, but be architects of our future.”
Ms. Arleen Wilson, Chairperson of the Laborie/Augier Constituency Council, also spoke at the ceremony, thanking all stakeholders for making the new facility available. She said the Anse Kawet Crafters will continue to share their wealth of knowledge with anyone willing to participate in training workshops.
“Laborie is slowly but surely developing into a touristic area, and the Anse Kawet Crafters extend an invitation to tourists and locals to make use of the services provided at La Tortue Hand Crafting Studio during their visit,” she said. “The Crafters will continue pressing on with their goal of being a powerful and active force in the Laborie/Augier constituency, ensuring that there is training available for the younger generation and also an outlet for the sale of their products.”
Others in attendance at the launch ceremony included H.E. Dame Pearlette Louisy, former Governor General of Saint Lucia; H.E. Julian Dubois, Ambassador of Diaspora Affairs; Mr. Wayne Cumberbatch, Mayor of Vieux Fort; Mrs. Agatha Jn. Panel, former Government Senator; and principals from schools within the Laborie/Augier constituency.
At the close of the ceremony, the 19 participants from the training workshop were presented with their certificates, followed by the unveiling and walk-through of the new facility to view the items made by the graduating class.