He gave the undertaking after viewing the produce at the opening of the Ministry’s eleventh annual ‘Craft Festa - Visual Arts Exhibition’ at Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown, last Thursday.

Speaking at the showcasing the talents and creative abilities of schoolchildren countrywide, Ally said what was displayed is "as good as any in the Caribbean and elsewhere."

Attesting that the exhibitions are getting better year after year, he said:"I think that we have a very good corps of craftsmen in this country. But what we probably need to do is find markets for these products."

He said the Ministry attaches great importance to art and craft, noting that they bring out the creativity,imagination and ingenuity of our people, in particular the young.”

“Therefore, it is for the Ministry now examine, in greater detail and see how best it would help those who take part in such skills training to find markets for their products,” he acknowledged.

Ally also remarked that there have been significant improvements over the years in those areas, at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) tests.

He disclosed that Guyanese candidates have won two of the top Caribbean awards at examinations in science and short essays and said:"I think that speaks to the degree of intelligence of our people."

Ally especially commended the Art and Craft Coordinator, Ms Olga Britton and the schools responsible for the splendid produce.

The two-day show was part of the programme for Education Month (September) and had inputs from most of the Administrative Regions.

The forum was used, as well, to display books under the theme ‘Learn to Read, Read to Learn’.

The art and craft exhibits comprised colourful and intricately designed works produced through the Ministry expenditure on the teaching of visual arts in schools.

The resulting impressive collection showed creativity and versatility, incorporating various items made of wood, leather, fibre, and fabrics.

Amongst the items were floral arrangements, garments, crochet, tie-dye and batik, ceramic, decorative craft and surface decoration pieces.

The Thursday morning function was spiced with rich cultural performances by North Ruimveldt Multilateral School steelband as viewers moved around the venue.