On September 14th 17th 2006, the region would experience one of its proudest moments. This period is going to be a grand MADE IN THE CARIBBEAN moment, as Caribbean artisans would amalgamate at the Marriott at the Caribbean Gifts and Craft Show to showcase their finest creative pieces. It would be a grand moment, as Caribbean people would get the opportunity to purchase products that were assembled or made in the Caribbean. The tag on these wares would be stamped MADE IN THE CARIBBEAN as opposed to MADE IN CHINA! Now tell me, isnt this something! Often times we purchase products such as T Shirts or mugs as souvenirs. The country that the product is promoting, St. Kitts and Nevis or St. Lucia may be printed on the front, however when one looks at the tag, it is marked MADE IN CHINA! When I see this I am always quite disappointed because I would really prefer to see a MADE IN THE CARIBBEAN! stamp or tag.
I can recall purchasing some T Shirts for my Zimbabwean friends Farai and Rutendo who remarked jokingly when they looked at the tags, but Tryce, this is made in China, when you go back to St. Kitts bring us back something that was really made or at least assembled in St. Kitts. I am certain that many of us have had this or a similar experience. I am happy to say that the next time I purchased them some wooden earrings with the St. Kitts and Nevis flag on it. They were more than thrilled. Every time I purchase a gift for a friend is it birthday, anniversary or some special occasion, I always buy something MADE IN THE CARIBBEAN! My best friend Teslyn accused me of buying gifts that I like, as opposed to their preference but shockingly enough you know that they have warmed up to the idea. It has gotten to the point where they go in search of their gifts and give me hints. I know that when we think of gift giving, we think extremely expensive or as I said before, anything foreign. Dont underestimate your friends buy them something that was MADE IN THE CARIBBEAN! I guarantee that they would appreciate it even more. One of my favourite places to go gift shopping is Zanpach located upstairs in the Pelican Mall.
As a woman who tries to encapsulate the truest and richest essence of Caribbeansque, I marvel in wearing and purchasing products that were made in St. Kitts and Nevis or even the Caribbean region, like Judith Rawlins of Brown Sugar says, Its an identity! There is the thought that if a product isnt Made in the USA or has a foreign seal of approval, that it is an inferior product. Why do we think that our products or even our cultural identity is inferior? I could chart a new course in terms of how our not knowing our true identity has affected us as a people. I am not talking about the African heritage aspect that we allude to but rather a true Caribbean identity. This being the melting pot that we so often refer to but have never truly embraced. I would suppose if we did, the Made in the Caribbean brand would have penetrated the regional and international market. There would be more small entrepreneurs. We would look at the best practices of the international market and use them to improve upon our products.
Now more than ever we are moving into an era, where tourism isnt just Sun, Sand and Sea, as there are other tropical areas that possess the same; therefore we have to be different. We have to find our niche. As a Caribbean people we are quite talented, our ways or mores are unique and if I must say so myself, quite distinct. There is flavour and colour in everything that we do. We are a people filled with pride. We just have to capture this Caribbean essence, bottle it and market it. As the 2006, Tourism Slogan contest says, Preserving Our Natural and Cultural Treasures-Key to Sustainability! In order for us to sustain ourselves we must know ourselves, identify ourselves and promote ourselves. The CSME and initiatives such as the Caribbean Gifts and Craft Show provide that venue for our regions best to showcase our wares. It provides the avenue for an exchange of ideas. It provides an avenue for showcasing Caribbean pride.
During the period September 14th 17th please find yourself at the Marriott. Even if you have to hitch a ride with a friend please do. You would not want to miss the 10th Caribbean Craft and Gift Show, after all everything there would be MADE IN THE CARIBBEAN!
