BVI Delegation attends Caribbean Gift and Craft Show in Barbados
~~Adz:Right~~ Roadtown, Tortola - A BVI delegation is attending the Caribbean Gift and Craft Show which got underway at the Sherbourne Conference Centre in Barbados yesterday.
The delegation includes Director of Culture Mrs. Luce Hodge-Smith, Acting Trade Promotion Officer in the Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs Ms. Jeanelle Hodge, Clerical Officer III Ms. Tamica Hodge, Product Officer at the BVI Tourist Board Mrs. Fravern Collins and local artisans Ms. Trenita Hodge of Afro Caribbean Woman and Ms. Shu Wanna Reese of Reese Design Studio.
The Acting Trade Promotion Officer said “the purpose of the show is to give artisans a chance to display their products in an environment where they can hopefully connect with buyers for wholesale and retail of their products.”
Ms. Hodge said the show is quite similar to other trade shows held around the region but “its main focus is on artisans and the craft they produce; it is a series of different craft, it can be woodwork, fabric, metal and much more.”
The trade show has eight divisions in which exhibitors can display their craft including fashion, house wares and tabletops, beauty and wellness, gifts and personal accessories. The exhibits by the BVI artisans include fabric, jewellery, dolls and quilts.
While in Barbados, the BVI delegation will also have the opportunity to participate in a number of seminars on topics such as packaging and getting your business ready for international export.
Ms. Hodge said it is important that the artisans participate because it is “another means of helping their business grow and become acknowledged not only on the islands but throughout the Caribbean.”
The local artisans are also eligible for a number of awards which will be presented at an awards ceremony this evening. Judging began yesterday and will continue until 3:00 p.m. today in a number of categories including best of show award, best new product/product line, best booth, best creative packaging, best new designer award and best design school award.
The Caribbean Gift and Craft Show is organised by the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) and draws participants from the English, Spanish, French and Dutch speaking Caribbean. The theme this year is Celebrating Handmade Designs and Caribbean Traditions. The BVI’s participation is financed through the Departments of Trade and Consumer Affairs, Culture and the BVI Tourist Board.
The Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs serves to facilitate the development of the local business environment by helping businesses to realise their full potential through the establishment and management of networks and programmes that provide information, education, training and other assistance.
