Press Release
Press Release
CGCS 2008
LAUNCHED IN JAMAICA
Bridgetown, Barbados, March 20, 2008.
The Caribbean Gift and
Craft Show was hailed as “a critical mechanisms
for Jamaican and regional artisans to not only to
derive the experience of benchmarking their goods
and services against global best practices but
also to compete at world class levels with the
rest of the world.” This endorsement was given by
Mr Robert Gregory, President of the Jamaica Trade
and Invest (JTI) in his Opening Remarks at the
Official Launch of the 15th Caribbean Gift and
Craft Show (CGCS) at the Somerset Suite,
Courtleigh Hotel, Jamaica on March 17th.
Mr
Philip Williams, Executive Director of
Caribbean Export Development Agency,
organizers of the Show noted: “This Jamaica launch
recognises the importance of the Jamaican
participation in the show over the years. The show
has traditionally attracted a significant number
of both exhibitors and buyers from Jamaica and we
are confident that this year will be no
exception.”
The
CGCS which has earned the stellar reputation of
being the premier regional trade show for the
sector continues to attract support from leading
private and public sector agencies in the region.
FirstCaribbean has been the Show’s major corporate
sponsor since 2004. The Bank is also the sponsor
of the Best of Show Awards which
have been revamped for
2008 with the introduction of two new awards, Best
New Designer and Best Design School Award, all in
keeping with the Show’s theme.
Ms
Sonia Beaton, Head of Small Business of
FirstCaribbean International Bank Jamaica, also
lauded Caribbean Export for “working
unassumingly, steadily, and with pride to help
micro and small businesses, who depend heavily on
this event each year, to make in-roads into the
Caribbean craft industry and into other external
markets.” The Agency was also urged to “continue
the good work in helping individuals and small
companies triumph over the challenges of owning
and marketing a business as you work to achieve
your mandate of becoming the premier regional
organisation for trade and investment development
and promotion.”
The Jamaica launch was
attended by a wide cross section of artisans from
Jamaica. It is the first in a series of
promotional activities planned in key markets as
part of a
comprehensive marketing campaign. The campaign is
designed to stimulate interest in the show and to
encourage potential exhibitors and trade buyers to
register early and capitalise on the special
“early bird” booth rates. Attractive airfare and
accommodation arrangements are also being offered
to show participants. It is expected that these
activities will
ensure that the CGCS message reaches nearly every
Caribbean country and selected cities in the UK,
USA and Canada.
The Caribbean Gift and Craft
Show featuring Caribbean Fashion Rhythms takes
place at the Sherbourne Conference Centre in
Barbados, from October 2nd – 5th. This
year’s CGCS theme Celebrating Handmade Designs
and Caribbean Traditions is recognition that a
handcrafted product often has a story, inspiring
origin, or close connection to the designer.
Respect for, and dedication to quality, design
and creativity, sets handcrafted items apart from
mass-produced merchandise because the artistry is
tangible.
Tenders are now being sought
for CGCS 2009. It is hoped that Jamaica, which has
not yet hosted a CGCS, will be one of the
countries making a bid.
For more information on
the Show, prospective exhibitors and trade buyers
are encouraged to visit the website:
www.caribbeangiftandcraft.com or to contact
the Head of the Participants Facilitation Team,
Cora Lowe at E-mail:
clowe@carib-export.com
Archives
CGCS 2008 – CELEBRATING
HAND MADE DESIGNS
Bridgetown, Barbados
February 6, 2008
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