Providing Eco-Friendly Crafts Opportunities for Local Communities

Kimberley Stewart

In collaboration with the Global Environmental Facility Small Grants Programme, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM), and the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network (WIDECAST) in an effort to offer eco-friendly employment to local communities, the SKSTMN is providing free training and employment to fishermen and local communities interested in producing glass jewelry as an alternative to the sea turtle harvest.

Since the glass initiative inception in March 2009, over 30 individuals have been trained in the art of glass bead making including members from Old Road, Sandy Point, Dieppe Bay, and Keys communities.

Most recently, the SKSTMN was invited by the St. Kitts Department of Education to begin crafts training within the school system. They will begin training at Edgar T. Morris Primary and Sandy Point High School in November.

Training sessions are currently held 3 nights per week at the SKSTMN Outreach Center on Central Street in The Village. Interested individuals should contact the Sea Turtle Hotline at 764-6664 to register for a session. Following completion of training individuals may begin producing beads for payment in the workshop. All supplies and product marketing are provided by the SKSTMN. No previous training is required. Individuals simply need to possess a strong work ethic and dedication to the project.

Facts about our jewelry:

Did you know that discarded glass could last over 1 million years in the environment? In the development of the glass beads for this jewelry, only recycled glass is used. This results in a beautiful piece of jewelry and helps to reduce the waste within our environment.

Did you know that St. Kitts & Nevis still have an open fishing season for turtles?
So, by purchasing one of our pieces you are not only helping the environment but you are also saving sea turtles as you are providing a non-consumable source of income.