By Alva Solomon
They are all self-taught joiners , three men who banded together to make furniture and convert their skills into a business.
In February this year the group set-out to produce some of the finest furniture ever made within the village of Moruca sub-region in Region One.
In recent months , their work popped-up on Facebook , impressing not only the villagers at Cabora,a small satellite village outside Santa Rosa but fans wide and far.
The workshop is called Uncle Franks Woodworks and Designs , named after the late Francis Atkinson who made furniture in the village during his lifetime.
The small facility opened in February this year after the men procured a lathe machine, built their workbenches and generally prepare spaces for work.
The man in charge is Kenrick Charlie. He is described as the main man at the facility since he operates the lathe machine and does all the ‘fancy’ detailed and skilled work. Local carpenter Wayne Correia also assists with the design of the products. Both men taught themselves how to make furniture, reading magazines , books and trying their hands with designing wood products.
Venezuelan migrant Wayne Carr visited the facility one day after it opened, looking for a job and he has been learning the trade after he joined the staff. A 15-year old student of the Santa Rosa Secondary School would also assist during his spare time; word is he built the tool cupboard at the workshop and he is quickly learning from his colleagues.
After opening the furniture business in February, the men procured wood which they would leave to be ‘cured’ ; it would then be turned into quality furniture. According to residents, the men have been working around the clock to ensure their products are of high quality. They utilise a furniture brochure which guides them with style and dimensions.
The new furniture , which include beds, cupboards, cabinets , dining sets and wardrobes, is being marketed within Moruca in the past several months. Most of the products which are being built were ordered by customers but with growing popularity , the men are expecting larger orders.
