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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/08/RAF-2-1024x664.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1736" /><figcaption> Senator Pearnell Charles Jr. (centre) looks at sandals made by Chantal Lewis (second left) at the launch of the Palmers Cross Community Development Committee in Clarendon on July 18.  Sharing the moment are her sister Ca-Deiva Clarke (left) and President of the Palmers Cross Community Development Committee Romeo Mitchell (Photo contributed)</figcaption></figure>
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<p>Lionel Town resident Chantal Lewis is
setting her sights of becoming one of the next generation of prominent Jamaican
footwear designers. </p>
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<p>The 26-year-old Clarendon native’s hand-made leather sandals caught everyone’s attention at the recent launch of the Palmers Cross Community Development Committee (PCCDC) held at Palmers Cross Primary School in Clarendon.</p>
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<p>Originally from Savannah Cross, Lewis explained that her interest in craftsmanship started while she was young; watching her uncle make bags from calabash, leather, wool or thread. </p>
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<p>This interest grew and developed over time but
Lewis noticed she preferred making sandals. </p>
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<p>“I have been making sandals on and off for
three years now,” she said, pointing to the pair on her feet. </p>
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<p>“I am self-taught, I go online for tips and
to look at shapes and styles. I tried getting help from one well-known local
designer but got none,” Lewis contended.</p>
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<p>While the budding artisan says the process
is time-consuming, the effort is worth it in the end because her customers love
them as they are affordable, neat and last a long time.</p>
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<p>“I would like to see my sandal business
grow big, but I also want to expand my brand into clothing and other items and
make a significant mark on the local and overseas market,” Chantal remarked.</p>
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<p>The sandals feature comfort and a classy,
trendy style and among her regular customers is her younger sister, Ca-Deiva Clarke.</p>
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<p>As with every new business, young Lewis is off to a slow start but prospects are good as her customer base is growing and everyone is happy with her product so far.  </p>
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<p>Chantal also had her uncle’s handbags and a
lamp made from fudge sticks alongside her display of beautiful sandals at the
launch. </p>
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<p>Romeo Mitchell, president of the PCCDC,
also showcased his line of locally made herbs and seasonings.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/08/RAF-4-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1738" /><figcaption> President of the PCCDC Romeo Mitchell shows a package of turmeric seasoning to Senator Pearnell Charles Jr. at the Palmers Cross Primary School in Clarendon recently.  (Photo contributed)</figcaption></figure>
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<p>Speaking at the launch, Projects Manager for the Palmers Cross CDC, Ricards Lethman, gave an overview of the projects. </p>
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<p>“We are looking at creating fish markets in our community; we have five natural lakes and land space to develop 10 fish ponds within our community. [This will] provide opportunities for young people to buy and sell fish, have stalls. We have spoken with Digicel who will donate stalls,” he said.</p>
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<p>Other related projects include duck and fish-breeding, bee-keeping,  ornamental fish farming and raising tilapia, for which the PCCDC says it already has the commitment of Jamaica Fisheries to supply them with 7000 fishes for one fish pool. </p>
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<p>The community’s goal is to have 70,000 in
10 pools.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p>
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<p>Food For the Poor has committed to assist
with the training in the construction process for Palmer’s Cross’ apiaries as
well as to cover best practise in bee farming.</p>
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<p>This training will not just be among the
members of the CDC, but will be open to all residents who are interested in the
project as an entrepreneurial venture.</p>
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<p>Lethman also announced plans to establish a water park around one of the largest natural lakes in the community known as Parker Pond.   </p>
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<p>“We have done the soil testing and we are now seeking funding to build a natural lake, fence it and build a park around it. People can come there to relax, rent fishing lines to do fishing. It will be for both economic and recreational purposes,” Lethman said. </p>
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