Stakeholders at the launching of Tru Tru Bahamian Marketplace in the Grand Ballroom, Atlantis on Paradise Island on June 17 and 18, 2016, which showcased the best in authentically made arts and craft.
The best in authentically made arts and craft were showcased during the launching of Tru Tru Bahamian Marketplace in the Grand Ballroom, Atlantis on Paradise Island.
On June 17 and 18, 2016, residents and tourists got a chance to see about 100 producers display and market their products in an indoor marketplace, which was officially opened by Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie.
The Prime Minister touted the collaboration between the public and private sectors, particularly the Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association, in pulling off the event.
“We are partners and there is an opportunity for The Bahamas to better integrate ourselves and to find that path to make us work more closely together,” he said.
Minister of Tourism the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe interacts with a vendor of Bahamian-made items at the Tru Tru Bahamian Marketplace in the Grand Ballroom, Atlantis on Paradise Island on June 17 and 18, 2016, which showcased the best in authentically made arts and craft.
Showcased were handmade napkins, towels, exquisite jewellery, paintings from the late noted Amos Ferguson Gallery, Androsia fabric and apparel, straw bags, sweets such as chocolates, candies, flavoured cotton candy, a plethora of other things uniquely Bahamian.
According to the Prime Minister, the country has the talent in various areas such as sports/track and field, sailing, theatre, arts, academics, science, and culinary arts in which The Bahamian team of chefs recently won the gold medal in competition in Florida.
He said however that the challenge is finding the financial support to fund the level of talent; hence the need for support from the private sector.
While noting a number of Bahamians who return home with exceptional skills he said, “We are challenged to creating opportunities for our young people.”
The Ministry of Tourism and its partners officially launched the Tru Tru Bahamian Marketplace in the Grand Ballroom, Atlantis on Paradise Island on June 17 and 18, 2016. The event showcased the best in authentically made arts and craft. Pictured at a vendor’s booth are Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie; Minister of Tourism the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe and Joy Jibrulu, Director General Tourism.
The Tru Tru Bahamian Marketplace is the brainchild of the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Tourism who also touted the talent of Bahamians. He said, “It is within our grasp to be the best in the world.”
Furthermore, responding to earlier comments that The Bahamas has competition, he explained, “The competitors have to worry about us… we have the quality to offer to tourists.”
The Minister said he was pleased by the interest bankers and other private partners took in the marketplace idea by coming on board to pull off the event.
Also participating in the opening ceremony were: Janet Johnson, Director, in the Office of the Minister, Ministry of Tourism; Stuart Bowe, President, the Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association; Dr. Cleveland Williams, Cultural Tourism, Ministry of Tourism who rendered an operatic version of The National Anthem and music by the Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band.
Director General of Tourism Joy Jibrulu interacts with a vendor of Bahamian-made items at the Tru Tru Bahamian Marketplace in the Grand Ballroom, Atlantis on Paradise Island on June 17 and 18, 2016, which showcased the best in authentically made arts and craft. (BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)
BY: Lindsay Thompson
Source: Bahamas Information Services
