The much anticipated construction of a Lapidary in the picturesque village of Monkey Mountain in the North Pakaraimas (Region 8) is expected to commence soon. This facility, once operable, will produce jewelry, ornaments and exotic furniture pieces with semi-precious stones from the plains of the Pakaraimas. Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, recently attended a meeting in the village where residents agreed on the location for the construction of the facility. Fifteen youths and a few adults from the village have been actively involved in gathering semi-precious stones. Minister Garrido-Lowe assured villagers and the dedicated youths, who are at the forefront of the project, that there will be tremendous benefits awaiting them once the project goes on stream. The Minister has selected Marcel Yhip, who has been in the field for more than thirty years, to impart her knowledge and provide guidance to persons involved in the project and to ensure that these semi-precious minerals meet international market standards. Minister Garrido-Lowe also encouraged villagers to support the establishment of a Co-op Society there which will further strengthen their earning power. “It will give you an opportunity to earn in an organized way. And Minister Gaskin, who is not only the Minister of Business but he’s an excellent jeweler, is very excited about working with us on this project. Not only will we sell polished stones, but we will also learn to make jewelry. We will train about five or six young people to make jewelry from these beautiful stones, so like the tomato farmers in Paramakatoi, you will be able to earn form the Co-op”, the Minister assured. Perlina Gifth, the Chief Co-operatives Development Officer in the Ministry of Social Protection, said that once established, the Co-op will ensure “better representation for members and communities, where members can apply and acquire more resources. We believe that if people come together, the profits will be shared and not only one man will become the rich
and famous in the community, but all will become rich and famous. It will also ensure better opportunities for marketing products.”
Villagers are eagerly awaiting the completion of the facility since many of them were aware of the presence of these semiprecious stones but, at the same time, were unaware of how invaluable they are. Johnny Roth, a villager who is a gem specialist, is expected to play a key role in seeing this project to fruition. Roth has worked in the mining industry for a number of years and will be an asset. Minister Garrido-Lowe also highlighted the Tourism aspect of this initiative where tourists can go on an excursion in search of these semi-precious minerals and be able to appreciate the
process, from the time it is collected to completion of the final product. Kato, Kurukubaru, Maikwak and Tuseneng are the four other villages to benefit since these semi-precious stones can also be found there in abundance. Among them are crystals,
amethyst, volcanic, jasper and agate gemstones. The Ministry had requested of the village a quarter of an acre of land for the construction of the facility, but villages decided to set aside an acre of land which will see the construction of a 40’x 20’ facility which will boast a workshop, exhibit area,
wash rooms and security area.