Imported imitations put local artisans under siege

Chairman of the National Craft Council, Delano Seiveright, is warning that imported products imitating Jamaican cultural symbols and designs are putting local artisans at an unfair disadvantage and siphoning tourism dollars away from Jamaican businesses.

Seiveright said the country must become more serious about protecting authentic Jamaican craft, arguing that visitors should be able to trust that products marketed as Jamaican are actually made by Jamaican hands.

“Our artisans should not have to compete unfairly against imported products that imitate Jamaican culture, symbols and designs that are then sold to visitors as Jamaican,” Seiveright said.