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The women work from home, enabling them to sustain their households and care for their children while still making a substantial contribution to the families’ income. “There are fewer women begging in the market place,” and for Arnold this accomplishment is heartening. The investment by MayaBags into ensuring these women continue to sustain their villages exceeds USD $100,000 to date and this does more than help to send the children to schools and put food on the table; it has uplifted the Maya woman, raising self-esteem and fostering independence. “We have made the ladies more involved in our marketing efforts, such as having a presence at our booth during sales events. This exposure gives them a world view other than their own culture.” Arnold,whohasbeenwithMayaBags formore than6years, acknowledges the change in the women’s demeanour with what can only be referred to as a sense of reverence. Arnold’s clear pride is shared throughout the country, Belizeans are aware of the social, cultural and economical contributions made through MayaBags and appreciate what a great positive impact this has for Belize regionally and internationally. Belize has a mostly privatized enterprise economy, relying primarily on exportation of petroleum and crude oil, agriculture and agro-based industry. “We have an opportunity that was never before envisioned for Belizeans, to be designing and producing products marketable on the international market” says Arnold who credits the company for establishing a brand for her homeland that has global recognition for its quality and mission. “Belize is known for agriculture, not luxury,” but through the successful growth of the first luxury brand for this Caribbean country, that perception will hopefully change and create an opportunity for others locally and regionally to follow. Arnold believes that the benefits of this, in turn will bring more value to Belize and by extension the region, generating additional jobs and enticing tourism. The increased knowledge of the Maya community has also had a remarkable impact within the villages it supports. The brand has accredited the incredible art form of traditional Maya craft, instilling renewed pride for their work and encouraging the preservation of these trades. The method of back-strap loom weaving employed by the Maya women is indigenous to this group in Belize. Producing the luxury line has preserved the culture of weaving with the Maya women training their daughters in the technique ensuring the sustainability of the art form and organization. The level of creativity and talent is evident as well in the finish of hand embroidery items, hand coiled and stitched basketry that also represents Mayan culture and biodiversity. “We are preserving traditional Maya craft” a deeply passionate Arnold shares, “and we have made each of the Maya artisans we work with shareholders in our business.” For the tribal artisans and th MayaBags business is vital “Caribbean Export profoundl

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