Just 6 days after his assumption of office, the Minister of Culture, María Eugenia Herrera, accompanied by his deputy Minister Arianne Benedetti and his officials, met with a commission of artisan members of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Crafts of Panama (SINAP) to discuss general aspects of the artisan sector.

At the meeting, the artisan submitted a detailed report on their current situation, including challenges and potential solutions.

At this first meeting we discussed issues such as the registration of an artisan card, the recovery and preservation of the memory of the artisan, training plans, communication strategies, the commercialization of crafts and the organisation of the crafts fair, among others.

The incumbent of Culture expressed that the ministry will support the artisans and will recognize that each one is unique and unrepeatable. "Our mission is to identify them, to find solutions and to commit ourselves to actions with great respect," Herrera stated.

For his part, Yulissa Carrillo, general secretary of the Panama Crafts Union, noted: "The meeting was very positive. The important thing is that we understand and listen to ourselves. Each man made his or her contributions and our organization will always be available to contribute."

At this first meeting, it was agreed to set targets to be met every three weeks and to organize the National Handicrafts Section.