The Hon. Michael Darville, Minister for Grand Bahama in his remarks at the signing event expressed his delight to host Design Caribbean as it “will expose local artisans and manufacturers to overseas buyers in retail, hospitality, design, music, film and fashion; thus providing them with opportunities to exhibit their talents, market and sell their products and services.”

DESIGN CARIBBEAN is the rebranded evolution of the Caribbean Gift and Craft show (CGCS) aimed at taking the promotion of the creative industries, in particular the design sector in the region, to new levels of excellence. The Design Caribbean showcase provides a platform for only the best Caribbean artisans and designers to show, market and sell their products locally, regionally and internationally.

In September 2011, the inaugural Design Caribbean showcase provided a platform to improve the standard and quality of the Caribbean’s Creative Industry to one that is export ready, sustainable, marketable, and profitable.

Building on the platform laid in 2011, the second staging will focus on further strengthening the “Design Caribbean” brand, attracting investment and exploring potential markets (and distributors) for Caribbean Creative Products and Services.

“The creative industry is one of the few areas within which the Caribbean holds a competitive advantage.  This coupled with the fact that the creative industry now constitutes the fastest growing sector and industry per capita in relation to GDP in the world, places Design Caribbean in the centre of a potentially revolutionary economic landscape that can be created in the Caribbean” expressed Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of Caribbean Export.

Caribbean Export shares the responsibility of Design Caribbean with the host country and the partnership with  the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and its key agencies, the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and Bahama Agricultural & Industrial Corporation (BAIC) is important because it is viewed that “Design Caribbean offers great opportunities, not only for local manufacturers, but also for the country as a whole and Grand Bahama specifically” said The Hon. Arnold Forbes, Executive Chairman, Bahamas Agricultural & Industrial Corporation (BAIC).

The Design Caribbean event is to take place over 4 days and is set to show case the best of the best the Caribbean has to offer of Caribbean designed manufactured goods, music, fashion and film.

The Hon. Michael Darville, Minister for Grand Bahama in his remarks at the signing event expressed his delight to host Design Caribbean as it “will expose local artisans and manufacturers to overseas buyers in retail, hospitality, design, music, film and fashion; thus providing them with opportunities to exhibit their talents, market and sell their products and services.”

DESIGN CARIBBEAN is the rebranded evolution of the Caribbean Gift and Craft show (CGCS) aimed at taking the promotion of the creative industries, in particular the design sector in the region, to new levels of excellence. The Design Caribbean showcase provides a platform for only the best Caribbean artisans and designers to show, market and sell their products locally, regionally and internationally.

In September 2011, the inaugural Design Caribbean showcase provided a platform to improve the standard and quality of the Caribbean’s Creative Industry to one that is export ready, sustainable, marketable, and profitable.

Building on the platform laid in 2011, the second staging will focus on further strengthening the “Design Caribbean” brand, attracting investment and exploring potential markets (and distributors) for Caribbean Creative Products and Services.

“The creative industry is one of the few areas within which the Caribbean holds a competitive advantage.  This coupled with the fact that the creative industry now constitutes the fastest growing sector and industry per capita in relation to GDP in the world, places Design Caribbean in the centre of a potentially revolutionary economic landscape that can be created in the Caribbean” expressed Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of Caribbean Export.

Caribbean Export shares the responsibility of Design Caribbean with the host country and the partnership with  the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and its key agencies, the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and Bahama Agricultural & Industrial Corporation (BAIC) is important because it is viewed that “Design Caribbean offers great opportunities, not only for local manufacturers, but also for the country as a whole and Grand Bahama specifically” said The Hon. Arnold Forbes, Executive Chairman, Bahamas Agricultural & Industrial Corporation (BAIC).

The Design Caribbean event is to take place over 4 days and is set to show case the best of the best the Caribbean has to offer of Caribbean designed manufactured goods, music, fashion and film.

Held at Hotel El Embajador, Santo Domingo, the show was declared a huge success in highlighting the Caribbean Region’s best artisans.  Officially opened four days earlier, on September 1, 2011, with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Dominican Republic’s First Lady, Dr. Margarita Cedeño de Fernández.  Excitement and momentum continued over entire show.

The first day of the show was open only for trade buyers, who were given the opportunity to interact with artisans one on one. Mark Fangue and Liz Allen, buyers of Exotic World Gifts, raved about their experience, “We love the variety, between the necklaces and the tapestries. All were of very good quality.  The silver products were extraordinary. We love being here it is a great event and look forward next year.”

Providing much more than a selection of high quality handcrafted artisan products, Design Caribbean offered an environment of celebration and immersion in the Caribbean culture. This event hosted a small film festival of various Caribbean films including the Jamaican film, Ghett’A Life – winner of the Best Pitch Award at the Cannes Film Festival. Design Caribbean was privileged to have the attendance of the film’s lead actor, Christopher McFarlane, as well as the filmmaker Justine Henzell.

Design Caribbean also featured a music concert, Many Rythms: One People, featuring a wonderful collection of artists from the region including Alison Hinds, Roldan, Xiomara Fortuna, Onika Best, Belo, Carrot Jarrett and L’Acadco.  Not only did these musicians perform and keep the audience moving to their rhythms well into the early hours of the morning, but they also visited the children’s home, Casa Rosada, in Dominican Republic to entertain the younger audiences.

As well, Design Caribbean sponsored a bus that enabled the children of Le Casa Rosada, an orphanage for children living with AIDS, to “Come and Celebrate the Beautiful,” with the musicians and Caribbean Export team at the Design Fair.

Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the Caribbean Export, is thoroughly committed to the success of the Caribbean creative industries in the world marketplace.  Throughout Design Caribbean, exhibitors were encouraged to attend business boot camps. These seminars ranged from talks on motivational Caribbean branding to explicit how-to details, such as how to compete online, presented by one of our sponsors, Global Directories, Caribbean’s Yellow Pages.

The final day of the show concluded with the Design Awards ceremony.  The Design Prize aims to highlight the best designs and design-oriented products at the show. It is a celebration of innovation, design and creativity as sponsored by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Caribbean Export.  Winners received a cash prize, a booth at the Design Caribbean 2012, and the marketing support to assist them to elevate and grow their businesses over the next year.

A prominent panel of four judges selected the winners.  Cindy Bowden, lead judge, is the President of the World Craft Council of North America, one of the 5 hemispheres represented in the World Craft Council. Jenny Polanco, Dominican fashion designer with over thirty years of professional experience in Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Paris and New York. Kenneth Montague, Toronto based art collector, and founder and director of Wedge Curatorial Projects and Milo D. Pickney of Yellow Lama.

The prizes were awarded as follows:

1^st Prize – Ms. Ichia Tiyi
Tiyi By Design, is an exclusive Caribbean brand from Barbados, producing exquisite, hand crafted art jewelry.

2^nd Prize – Atelier Doré
Modern Surinamese-designed jewelry hand crafted from silver.

Best Collection – New Caribbean Design
New Caribbean Design represents a group of artisans that work in collaboration, and weave together elements of craft production, community development and modern design.

Best Young Designer  – Mrs. Kirie Ishmael
As part of the University of West Indies group, she displayed a Scarlet Ibis inspired ceramic jewelry collection.

Pamela Coke-Hamilton said, “Congratulations to our winners and our team, exhibitors who participated, and the buyers who purchased and supported the creative industries.  Craft and creative industries are to be truly celebrated. It is a way to share expression not only in creation but also in visual enjoyment. The artisans who are committed to the quality and sustainability or our culture have adapted these traditions to appeal to the contemporary international marketplace.  It is truly a celebration of the beautiful in craft, culture, music and people. ”

Design Caribbean nació del Show de Artesanía y Regalo Caribeño, que lleva 15 años de duración.  Dicho show ha sido renovado y renombrado teniendo en cuenta la calidad de los productos en exhibición, productos que de otra forma no estarían fácilmente disponibles.  Muchos de los artesanos se beneficiaron de los talleres de diseño llevados a cabo por Caribbean Export y la ITC en Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, Haití y la República Dominicana. Fue emocionante ver las sinergias y el mejoramiento increíble en los productos, como resultados de estos talleres.

Convencido del valor económico y social de las industrias creativas para el sustente de los países de la región, muchos gobiernos han comenzado a impulsar las mismas, como vanguardia de su estrategia de crecimiento.  Artesanía, música, cine, moda y arte, son parte de la experiencia turística y que podría ser aprovechada para mejorar esta experiencia.  Design Caribbean pretende recoger el valor de las industrias creativas que permanecen sobre la mesa.

Design Caribbean ha ofrecido una demostración de los productos hechos a mano de manera maravillosa, a los cuales se puede acceder a través de nuestra oportunidad de compra en línea en  www.designcaribbean.com.  Los compradores minoristas podrán tener una demostración de los textiles en un atrevido diseño gráfico.  Hay trabajos en madera, piel, hechos mediante los medios tradicionales, con la incorporación de diseños contemporáneos.  Tiendas de reglas exclusivo y tiendas de regales en el hotel pueden accede a un tipo de joyas y piezas escultóricas, que no estarían fuera de lugar en Paris o en boutiques de Nueva York.  El tejido y la cerámica son llamativos, únicos y con sorprendentes diseños, mezcla de lo antiguo y lo Nuevo.

La emoción de Design Caribbean no termina aquí en la República Dominicana.  En el 2012, llevaremos a Design Caribbean fuera de la región hacia el escenario de Londres, durante las Olimpíadas de Londres.

El acto de apertura de dicha feria es presidido por la Primera Dama de la República, Dra. Margarita Cedeño de Fernández, el Secretario de Estado y Ordenador Nacional de los Fondos Europeos para el Desarrollo, Dr. Domingo Jiménez, el Ministro de Cultura, Lic. José Rafael Lantigua, Señora Rosalyn Hazelle, Embajadora y Presidente del Consejo de Directores de Caribbean Export Development, Señor Lorenzo Martelli, Representante de la Delegación de la Unión Europea y la Sra. Pamela Coke Hamilton, Directora Ejecutiva de Caribbean Export.

La actividad, es auspiciada por la Agencia de Desarrollo de las Exportaciones del Caribe (Caribbean Export), El Despacho de la Primera Dama, La Dirección General de Cooperación Multilateral (DIGECOOM),  El Ministerio de Cultura, el Ministerio de Turismo de República Dominicana, el Centro de Exportación e Inversión de la República Dominicana (CEI-RD) Dirección General de Aduanas, Ministerio de Industria y Comercio, Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, entre otras instituciones.

Design Caribbean was born out of the Caribbean Gift and Craft Show that ran for 15 years. That show has been revamped and rebranded to take account of the high quality of products on display – products not otherwise readily available. Many of the artisans benefited from design workshops run by Caribbean Export and the ITC that were held in Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. It was exciting to see the synergies and incredible improvement in the products as a result of these workshops.

Convinced of the economic and social value of the creative industries to the livelihood of several countries in the region, many governments have begun pushing the creative industries at the forefront of their growth strategy. Handicrafts, music, film, fashion and fine art are all part of the tourism experience and can be harnessed to enhance this experience. Design Caribbean intends to collect the value of the creative industries that remains on the table.

Design Caribbean has offered a preview of the wonderful hand made products that can be accessed via our online shopping opportunity on designcaribbean.com. The retailer buyers are able to preview textiles in bold, graphic designs. There is woodwork and leatherwork made by traditional means by incorporating contemporary designs. Exclusive and hotel gift shops are able to access one of a kind jewellery and sculptural pieces that would not be out of place in Paris or New York boutiques. The weaving and ceramics are striking, unique and surprising designs – blending the old and new.

The excitement of Design Caribbean does not finish here in the Dominican Republic. In 2012, we take Design Caribbean out of the region and onto the London stage during the London Olympics.

Caribbean Export has taken this feedback into consideration and has spent the past year vetting quality Caribbean artisans making it easy for Hotel Gift Shops and general home stores in the region to access this quality type of product in one convenient location – the re branded Design Caribbean show.

All of the artisans at the event have been carefully selected by a panel of judges to showcase their work at this leading Caribbean trade show.  Everyone attending will find high quality, high end products that are not available in every street stall, shop window or market.

Unlike their rivals from mass producing countries such as China these products are special, dynamic and rare and reflect everything the region represents – beauty and talent. All of the goods on offer will be luxury, high caliber, design conscious pieces that are lovingly crafted to appeal to the public as well as boutique buyers and anyone looking for a stellar product that won’t be left on the shelf.

The new show DESIGN CARIBBEAN, takes place September 1-4, 2011, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic . September 1^st, is for Trade only. It will take place at the Occidental El Embajador one of the region’s most exclusive venues in the Dominican Republic’s capital Santo Domingo.

Design Caribbean is more than a trade show as buyers from across the world and members of the public will be treated to a feast of talent that cannot be readily found under one roof. Sponsored by the European Union, FedEx, Abordage and American Airlines among others, those attending the event will also be treated to a spa and wellness section, a film screening, a fashion event and a rum experience as well as musical performances from the region’s top international performers such as Alison Hinds who is labeled regionally the Soca Queen and has had worldwide success with her hit ‘Roll’.

Come to Santo Domingo from September 1^st – 4^th 2011 not just to ‘Celebrate the beautiful’ but to ‘Celebrate the Caribbean’.

We have had great response from buyers in the region as well as international interest in attending this show. The timing of this show is perfect for retail buyers and hotel gift shop buyers looking to ensure they can offer a fabulous Caribbean gift selection for holiday shoppers.

“We are very excited about Design Caribbean – there is an outstanding line-up of very talented artisans displaying at this year’s show. Buyers are going to be very pleased with the quality and uniqueness of the selection,” said Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of Caribbean Export.

Buyers can expect to see diverse products including ceramics, jewellery, fashion accessories, home furnishings, specialty foods and leather goods. A number of cash awards and incentives will be given in each category.  For more information, please visit www.designcaribbean.com or  www.facebook.com/DesignCaribbean.

The city of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was selected as the location to host the first newly-branded Design Caribbean show because it boasts a large population of 10 million people, with four million residing in the city centre of Santo Domingo, where the trade fair will be held.

More and more consumers are relying on electronic channels to find and choose goods and services. To succeed in business today you need a strong online presence. Learn how to put the web to work for your business in this one our seminar on effective web design and search engine marketing.

Presentation Outline:

• Internet Usage in Caribbean
• Who is Global Directories
• What Makes An Effective Website
• How To Impact Sales Conversions
• E-Commerce Best Practices including PayPal Info
• Search Engine Optimization
• Link Building
• Pay Per Click Advertising
• Reporting and Analytics

About Speaker and Contact Information:

Joseph A. Mohay

Online Sales Manager

Website: http://www.GlobalDirectories.com

Email: jmohay@globaldirectories.com

Joseph is a Local Search Expert leading the online sales initiatives for Global Directories throughout the Caribbean. (Some Of Our Markets include Jamaica, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Aruba, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago) Primarily Focused on digital product launches, coaching and developing local sales channel and advising local businesses on how to optimize their online marketing efforts through:

• Local Search
• Paid Search
• Search Engine Optimization
• Web Development
• Internet Yellow Pages

Certified Google Adwords Professional and Yahoo Ambassador.

MBA – Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business, Florida.

Day: Saturday September 3rd

Time: 9:00am – 9:30am

Room:

PowerPoint Presentation

Pamela Coke Hamilton Executive Director of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export). Ms Coke Hamilton has an intimate knowledge of Caribbean external and internal trade policy and more than 20 years’ experience in trade policy formulation, capacity building, negotiations and implementation, working at national, regional and multilateral levels.

Day:Thursday 1 September

Time: 8:30am – 9:00am

Room:

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