It is quite possible that the failure of individual enterprises and support organizations in the art and craft sector to respond positively to the invitation from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) to become members of that organization was a serious error which the sector will come to regret. This argument is made on the grounds that the art and craft sector has always found itself under-represented in the local business sphere. Most of our craftspeople, particularly, have always dwelt largely on the periphery as far as commerce is concerned. While one accepts that a thriving art and craft market requires a far greater number of visitor arrivals, the real failure of the sector has as much to do with its failure to make a case for itself as a viable economic sector as it has to do with anything else.
After the announcement had been made that a window had been opened for small but vibrant art and craft commercial enterprises to become members of the Chamber, a group of three craftspeople sought additional information on the membership requirements from the Stabroek Business. As far as can be recalled they were given information regarding how to engage the Chamber. Nothing more was heard about it after that.
Much of the reason for the Chamber’s invitation had to do with the role it felt it could play in furthering the business interests of the art and craft sector. 0ne idea that had arisen was that the GCCI might be instrumental in fashioning relationships between the local art and craft community and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of
