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The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), through the Technical Cooperation Division, and in collaboration with the Small Enterprise Development Unit, Nevis, is conducting a two-week training workshop: “Intermediate Leather Craft for Arts and Craft Producers in St. Kitts and Nevis”. This workshop is utilising the network of the Caribbean Technological Consultants Services (CTCS).

Fifteen (11 women and 4 men) Arts and craft producers are participating in the workshop which is being held at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church Hall in Nevis during the period May 11-22, 2015. The two-week hands-on training workshop focusses on, but not limited to, the following:

• tools and materials employed in leather craft production;
• dye technology applied to leather craft;
• use and application of leather and other materials;
• execution of the dye process and the use of colours for product enhancement;
• development of advanced designs and variations;
• processing and handling procedures necessary to obtain design duplication;
• handling of materials after processing;
• current fashion trends and its influence on new designs; and
• hands-on design and construction of various types of leather craft items such as belts, sandals, bags, wallets, purses, and use of a leather conditioner & softener process to treat them.

The workshop supports the efforts of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis in assisting arts and craft producers in developing unique and new local leather craft products; increasing the number of leather craft producers in the arts and craft sector; and integrating arts and craft as part of the country’s tourism product.

“It is, therefore, envisioned that the knowledge and skills of participants will be broadened and they will be empowered to enhance existing designs, develop new designs and ultimately produce varied and competitive leather craft products that meet customer demand and expectations. Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) contribute informally, but significantly to a country’s economy”

This intervention demonstrates CDB’s efforts to stimulate entrepreneurship through strategic and focused technical assistance, while at the same time enhancing the competitiveness of St Kitts and Nevis Creative Industry. The initiative is aligned with the Bank’s Strategic Objective of supporting inclusive growth and sustainable development and its Corporate Priorities of promoting private sector development, leading to enhanced viability of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.