The government has started building a workshop/school for artisans in Bahoruco in the southwestern province of Barahona. The school will train people to work the endemic semi-precious stone, thus boosting the local economy.
The director of Banca Solidaria, Mayra Jimenez, inaugurated the construction of the building which will cost RD$31.5 million and will be staffed by international teachers to improve the quality of the larimar refining process, aimed at increasing employment opportunities and improving living conditions for local people.
She said that the workshop/school would be equipped with modern machines and materials for carving, for polishing and other jewelry tools.
She said that as a result of the project, larimar would sell throughout the world, as it would be more attractive to the international market. The school will also include a museum and a shop.
Engineer Jose Luis Batista, who is in charge of the construction, pledged to finish the work by the end of June.
Gobierno construye escuela-taller de artesanía en el sur a un costo de RD$31.5 millones