Micro-credits for Baru Island entrepreneurs

“I was born in the 70s in the most beautiful place that can exist: the island of Baru”, says Uriel with enthusiasm while smiling and taking a seat in one of the rocking chairs that he placed in his patio under the trees.

Uriel was born for business; when he was still a child, he helped his parents and uncles in the family businesses. When he had enough experience, he decided to have his own business and opted for what most attracts tourists who visit Baru after the white beaches and crystal clear waters: handicrafts.

In the necklaces, bracelets and rings that he makes by hand and the carved stones, he reflects the landscapes of Playa Blanca, one of the emblematic sites of the island. “I imagine the blue water, the union of the sky and the sea, the sunsets and I put the island touch with bright and cheerful colors. That is the secret behind the beauty of the crafts, expressing what you are through them and make people feel that they are taking something special from the place they visited”.

After 20 years selling handicrafts, Ariel has his own house and has provided education to his children; he has met all kind of national and foreign tourists. He has learned about the seasonality of sales and, therefore, saves part of his profit and asks for microcredits to prepare for the high seasons, with a better and different product. During the low seasons, he sells seafood and fish. "I never stay still, I cannot imagine another life, in another place, because the sea gives us sustenance and the opportunity to work" concludes Uriel with satisfaction.

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