Councillor for the Ocho Rios division in St Ann, Michael Belnavis, is encouraging craft traders, to transition from being mere vendors of ready-made products, to being skilled tradesmen, who create products from scratch.

Speaking at an award ceremony for members of the craft industry, at the Dunn’s River Craft Market, Mr. Belnavis said, the future of the craft industry is not in re-selling.

He emphasized the importance of indigenous creations, to the industry’s continued growth and development.

Mr. Belnavis also noted that the craft traders in Ocho Rios, are set to benefit from expansion works being carried out at the cruise pier, as it will give them greater access to tourists.

The Port Authority of Jamaica, is undertaking development projects at key ports, with the aim of facilitating growth within the country’s cruise industry.

Works are being done in Montego-Bay, St. James; Ocho Rios, St. Ann; and Falmouth, Trelawny.