The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) in cooperation with the European Union is accepting proposals from CARIFORUM firms for grants of up to €30,000 the equivalent of approximately $33,000 USD, under their 2nd Call for Proposals for the DIRECT ASSISTANCE GRANT SCHEME (DAGS).
In the 2018 1st Call for Proposals over €2.1M was awarded to fifty-three (53) CARIFORUM firms that successfully applied for a grant. Businesses from a range of sectors including agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism, services, wood products, renewable energy, film and tv production, information technology and alcoholic beverages were awarded grants.
“We were encouraged to see the diversity
of proposals from companies looking for a grant†shared Damie Sinanan –
Manager, Competitiveness and Export Promotion at Caribbean Export. “This time we have reduced the maximum value
of the grants available in an effort to provide more grants to firms and make
it more accessible†he continued.
The DAGS is a reimbursement grant funding facility which requires firms to fund their projects upfront and be reimbursed at their completion. The fund was specifically designed to provide much needed financial assistance to legally registered CARIFORUM firms and individuals that are exporting or have the potential to export their products and services.Â
This latest Call
for Proposals is open until June 11, 2019 and interested companies are asked to
visit the Caribbean Export website at www.carib-export.com for
further information.
Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA), has set its sight on improving the business climate in the Caribbean with a focus on strengthening the procedures to start a business in the Region.
The Agencies convened a two-day workshop at the Radisson Aquatica Hotel in Barbados from 9-10th April 2019, to discuss the region’s business climate.
“Our focus will be 3-fold,†notes Suzette Hudson, Snr. Advisor of Investment promotion at Caribbean Export. “We want to assess the current procedures, cost and time to start a business in the Caribbean, guided by the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report, review global best practices with a focus on Jamaica and finally, develop action plans or next steps for that will be implemented in the near-term.â€
Jamaica ranks among the top 10 in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report for Starting a Business. “It is hoped that in the future we can continue to work with CAIPA to tackle other hurdles that are negatively affecting or may negatively affect the attraction of investment into the Caribbean.â€
Participating countries included: Antigua and Barbuda; the Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Jamaica; St. Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and Trinidad and Tobago. From these countries 32 stakeholders, the investment promotion agencies, attorneys who assist foreign firms in incorporating their companies, registrars of companies and other private sector interested parties participated.
Commenting during the opening session, Ms. Evelyn Wayne, the Director of Economic Policy and Development, of the CARICOM Secretariat noted that “This initiative is directly aligned to the commitment to adopt a Community Investment Policy for CARICOM States, which, among other things, addresses the modernization of the role of public authorities, to improve investment facilitation procedures.â€
“Creating an enabling environment to facilitate investment through regulatory reforms is critical for small States with limited ability to offer incentives for FDI attraction “noted, Ms. Opeyemi Abebe, Trade Advisor with the Commonwealth Secretariat. “At the Secretariat, we are committed to helping the developing and small member States of the Commonwealth address challenges faced in facilitating investment and building that capacity to implement some key interventions that Governments can execute to improve the business climate for attracting investment.†The Commonwealth Secretariat is the international donor, funding the execution of a study to develop action plans to strengthen the procedures to start a business in the Caribbean. The funding from the Secretariat also covered the hosting of the regional workshop.
Caribbean
animators had the opportunity to showcase their skills to an audience of local,
regional and international players in the content and technology industry and
access seed funding for their animated concepts thanks to the KingstOOn 3
Animation Festival which was held in Jamaica April 5 -7, 2019.
Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) supported the participation of three animators: Barbadian Joshua Clarke, Alain Bidard from Martinique and St. Lucian Tevin Loctar.
Alain Bidard of Martinique receives award for Best Caribbean Short Film “The Flight” from Jacqueline Lynch-Stewart, Chief Technical Director, Office of the Prime Minister, Jamaica
During the three – day event, attendees engaged with global industry leaders and were better able to understand the global animation pipeline, pre-qualified individuals were paired with potential content and Afro-descendant animated content from around the world was showcased.Â
The KingstOOn3 Animation Conference and Afro-descendant Film Festival included expert animation panels and keynote presentations, workshops, a film festival and three animation competitions. Alain Bidard, whose participation was supported by Caribbean Export won Best Caribbean Short Film with “The Flight†in the Emerging Animated Content Competition. Also, of note was the Pitch Bootcamp and Competition which allowed four selected finalists, of five team members, to refine their pitching skills and concepts under the guidance of world-class experts in the animation industry and to be assessed by a panel of executives from major studios.
Caribbean Export in cooperation with the European Union via the 11th EDF Regional Private Sector Development Programme currently being implemented, remains committed to the development of the Caribbean animation community and was happy to collaborate with the organizers of the 3rd edition of the KingstOOn event to ensure that it was a resounding success.Â
Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) in cooperation with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) and T&T Coalition of services Industries hosted a Cultural and Creative Industries Workshop in Trinidad and Tobago.
The event which occurred from March 27th – 28th, 2019 empowered Caribbean creative practitioners with the much-needed information to build their export capacity.
Allyson Francis, Services Specialist of the Caribbean Export noted that not only are the cultural and creative industries a priority sector for regional governments but also for Caribbean Export which will focus on the fashion, music, animation and film sectors during 2019. She further stated that ‘…helping cultural practitioners to gain a better understanding of the opportunities under the EPA and … to facilitate an increasing number of services trading with Europe through the Agreement.’ was extremely important.
The cultural and creative industry globally generates more than US 2.2 billion in revenues and employs more than 29 million people. During the economic downturn which started in 2008, global exports of creative goods and services grew annually by 14%, while international trade decreased by 12%. The growth in this sector presents a tremendous opportunity for Caribbean professionals who are now more equipped, due to the two-day Workshop, to take advantage of this development engine.
The workshop discussed opportunities under the EPA and presented an in-depth approach to critical topics such as quality and standards, pricing strategy, intellectual property rights, marketing and branding and creating unique value propositions.
Seventy (70) creative professionals, in the music, fashion and animation sectors, from the region, welcomed the critical technical and practical information provided, fully aware that it would be essential in assisting them in bridging the gap to take full advantage of their export potential, particularly in the European market.
To ensure the success and longevity of this initiative Caribbean Export will engage the respective Coalition of Services Industries to follow-up and provide support to the participants.
If you know anything about Ecofarms™, then you know they are in the business of bees. But at the heart of their story is a bicycle ride, a near death experience, and the conviction that a second chance at life was divine intervention, and instruction that Grace Foster’s destiny is to help others.
An MIT-trained engineer, Grace was among approximately 2,000 Jamaicans left unemployed when the global recession forced the closure of the two bauxite factories in the central town of Mandeville. She was determined, not merely to find herself a new job, but to get at least 100 members of her community working again. How would she accomplish this? She found the answer in bees.
“I was trying to figure out what next, and I went with my father to his farm. There I saw some little white boxes and found out that they were actually bee hives, and when I researched bees, I found that they were very versatile,†she said. “They have five products in the hive, and they can do innumerable things.â€
A Bicycle, A Near Death Experience & A Renewed Vision Within weeks of visiting her father’s farm, honey, wax, pollen, propolis and royal jelly became the foundation of Foster’s social enterprise. It was 2009, and she focused on producing bottled honey, and learning all she could about the bees.
By 2011, she was brimming over with ideas for a new, unique product.
“I’m an engineer, so innovation is second nature to me. Because honey is a healthy sweetener, I wanted to put it in a form where it was convenient and had an appeal.
Bringing this inventive product to market was however back-burnered because of the rigours of running a new business.
Ironically, when a near-death experience threatened to derail Foster’s plans, she instead used it as a catalyst birth this idea, and expand Ecofarms™.
She was knocked off her bike while riding along a country road one morning. As she lay in and out of consciousness in bushes at the side of the road, numerous thoughts raced through her mind, among them, her life, her family and her bills; but the thought she credits with giving her the will to live was that of the 100 people she was determined to help.
After weeks of recovering from head injuries, Grace was back on the job with a renewed drive and was laser-focused on bringing Ecofarmsâ„¢ Buzzâ„¢ HoneyStixâ„¢ to market. The straw-shaped sachets with a teaspoon of honey include island infusions of cinnamon, ginger, lemongrass, mango, tamarind and watermelon.
“Buzz™ Honey Wine†followed in 2013, but it wasn’t intentional. This award-winning product offering came to life when Foster accidentally left a bottled honey/passionfruit infusion in a cupboard for six months. When she remembered it, it had turned to wine.
“So I did some research and found that the oldest alcoholic beverage known to man is actually mead honey wine. The next time we made it, it was high science,†Foster said. “We produced infusions with Malay (Otaheite) apple, sorrel and carambola and they actually won us a couple of awards.â€
As Ecofarms™ increased their product offerings, their social mission became more well-defined. They started working with single women in Foster’s kitchen. Two years later, they had outgrown that space and moved to the garage, which they have now also outgrown.
Ecofarmsâ„¢ is now in the process of building out factory space to expand operations within the Jamaican Deaf Village, where they will mostly employ deaf people, and are currently training two deaf youths as beekeepers.
Grace Foster
The Value In The Valley Grace Foster’s social enterprise is steadily growing, and she is well on her way to realising her dream of creating 100 jobs for at-risk and marginalised Jamaicans. As with any entrepreneurial venture, her journey has been a delicate balance of accomplishments and setbacks, but Foster says her greatest accomplishments came as a result of the lessons she learned in her “valley periodsâ€.
During this time, Grace says underperformance by the bees, due to climate change, and a fraudulent transaction by a business partner derailed her start up’s income projections, and creditors were calling constantly.
“These were really tough, emotionally and financially devastating times,†Foster said. “And if not for the 100 people who were first and foremost in my mind, I would have given up, because I knew being an engineer would pay me better money.â€
Out of the experience of being financially tied up, Ecofarms™ grew significantly, and Grace grew with it. The experience pushed her to produce more, improve the company’s efficiency, create new products and seek out funding from grant agencies.
“That really made me become the best entrepreneur that I could be, because I didn’t have a choice,†she said.
The resulting growth gained from the pivots made during this period earned the social enterprise numerous national, regional and international honours and awards.
Most recently, the company’s greatest accomplishment came when international coffee giant Starbucks, reached out to say they were coming to Jamaica, and they wanted Ecofarms™ honey in stores.
“It was an important deal for us, because when you get that kind of client, it validates what you are doing as a small business,†Foster said.
Caribbean BSOs Validate the Region’s Entrepreneurs Validation, says Foster, also comes when business support organisations (BSOs) catch hold of an entrepreneur’s vision and offer assistance.
“I always look out for programs that create a safe space for me. And I have found that as a woman entrepreneur it is good to have other women around. It comes in handy with providing a safe emotional space,†she said.
Foster participated in “Vital Voicesâ€, a US-based programme targeting women leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean, and rates it highly because of the education and knowledge she gained. But because of cultural similarities, she dubbed WE-XPORT as “..the icing on the cake. Being with other Caribbean women has been wonderful,†she said.
Women Empowered Through Export (WE-Xport) is designed to support Caribbean women in business to start exporting or increase the exports of their products and services. The programme is offered by the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), and offers access to: grant funding, finance workshops, technical assistance, online business training and webinars, and a personal business coach.
Women in Business At 47, this mom of three girls isn’t done chasing dreams. In fact, she implores others, women entrepreneurs in particular, to do the same, and offers some sobering advice to those who have been slow to start their own business because they’ve been focused on all of the reasons they can’t.
“We are natural business managers, but we don’t realise it,†Foster said. “Managing a home is like managing a business, but we as women are our own worst enemies, and it all stems from the conversations we have with ourselves.â€
What’s Next for Ecofarms™
Two new products are on the cards, one in the drinks category, the other in confectionary. They are both slated for release in winter 2019.
They are also scaling up, having recently purchased production lines for their HoneyStixâ„¢, Honey Wine and honey packaging. Ecofarmsâ„¢ is also looking into select export markets in the Caribbean, North America and Europe, and are pursuing organic certification.
This scaling should take Grace to the quarter-way mark of her 100 jobs for 100 Jamaicans goal, a significant accomplishment realised in just five years.
“At the end of each week, when I see the satisfaction my employees have from taking home a well-earned paycheck, I smile and think to myself, that falling off my bicycle was totally worth it,†Grace shared. “Had it not been for that accident, and the revelation it gave me, I can’t promise you that this is the thing I’d be doing at this time. But, it is.â€
Grace Foster’s Top Seven Tips For Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Having a dream is not enough. It must be saleable. Know your market and research extensively to discover the most profitable way to develop your idea.
Be purposeful and strategic about the company you keep. You’ll need a balance of people who will both motivate and anchor you.
Do not be deterred by criticism. Take what is useful and use it to develop a strategy that will propel you.
Form a balanced accountability group with fellow entrepreneurs in non-competing businesses. One member’s strengths should minimise your weaknesses, and vice versa.
Embrace your failures. Learn the lesson and develop a plan to move forward without repeating those mistakes. This fosters growth.
Entrepreneurs can over project, failing to account for possible mishaps. So, halve your projected revenue and double your expenses, then ask yourself if the business is still viable.
The most significant intangible in running a business is managing anxiety, because you are actually carrying the weight of the entire payroll. Maintaining spiritual, mental and physical health, and finding balance are key factors to coping.
The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), in partnership with the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion agencies (CAIPA), has set its sights once again on increasing its share of the growing US$140 billion outsourcing industry, with the hosting of the biennial Outsource to the Caribbean Conference (OCC2019) in Curaçao during the period 6-10th May 2019. The event is expected to attract over 300 business process outsourcing (BPO) industry leaders from the Caribbean, Mexico, Colombia, the USA, the Netherlands and Canada, which are the target markets for the event this year.
The Caribbean is well positioned to leverage its proximity to the United States to become the nearshore location of choice for business process outsourcing (BPO) firms looking to expand beyond call centers into new growth areas, such as shared services centers, legal process outsourcing, human resources outsourcing, and finance and accounting outsourcing, to name a few.
The Caribbean boasts a perfect fit with its highly educated, multi-lingual, services-oriented workforce and the staging of the OCC2019 will increase awareness of the region’s value proposition within the outsourcing sector to generate real interest that can be converted to investments and jobs.
OCC2019 has partnered with the Curaçao Investment Promotion Agency, CINEX and the internationally renowned fDi-Intelligence (an arm of the Financial Times), to build upon the success of the 2017 event which was held in Montego Bay, Jamaica and saw more than 160 industry specific stakeholders from more than 20 countries participating.
OCC2019 will include a 2-day workshop for regional BPO service providers and will also include an EXPO element facilitating greater opportunity for potential investors to meet with regional service providers. Â A highlight of the event will be hosting of B-2-B meetings between Caribbean BPO stakeholders and specially invited BPO firms from Mexico, Colombia, the USA, the Netherlands and Canada who are keen on doing business in the Caribbean.
“Our 2-day conference will not only provide an opportunity to discuss relevant topics such as ‘Driving business growth through RPA (robotic process automation) and intelligent automation from a Caribbean perspective’, but it will also include an EXPO element which is new for this year†noted Ms. Suzette Hudson, Senior Advisor in Investment Promotion at Caribbean Export. “This event will also provide an opportunity for the Caribbean to discuss the ways we can pull the Caribbean BPO sector together to plan and execute a strategy to enhance the Caribbean’s presence in the global BPO market.â€
Investment promotion is a key aspect of Caribbean Export’s work in cooperation with the European Union to support private sector development through the implementation of the 11th EDF Regional Private Sector Development Programme.
“Driving Growth Through Private Investment,†was the focus of the Caribbean Export Development Agency’s (Caribbean Export) hosting of the 2nd Caribbean Angel Investor Forum at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The Forum which was held November 29-30, gathered a distinguished group of prominent policy makers, entrepreneurs, private and angel investors.
Minister of Trade and Industry with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, Paula Gopee-Scoon in her opening remarks underscored the challenges entrepreneurs face with the limited options found within traditional banking systems which often require collateral and venture capital to secure. “If our businesses are to compete globally, the support of diverse investment modalities is crucial. I must applaud the angel investor ecosystem in Trinidad and Tobago which has helped to create a programme which provides a forum for budding entrepreneurs to receive much-needed early-stage capitalâ€.
The Forum is part of the LINK-Caribbean programme which is implemented by Caribbean Export with financial support from the World Bank Group. Launched in September 2016, LINK-Caribbean is an initiative of the Entrepreneurship Program for Innovation in the Caribbean (EPIC) which is managed by the World Bank and funded by the Government of Canada. LINK-Caribbean designed to foster innovative and growth-oriented enterprises in the Caribbean region to raise capital from private investors and establish functioning angel groups to strengthen the start-up finance eco-system in the region.
Since 2016, LINK-Caribbean has connected entrepreneurs with private investors, helped raise capital for innovative new and early-stage businesses as well as developed a Caribbean early-stage investing community including angel investors, institutional investors and diaspora investors.
The program has also offered training and support services to assist companies in securing angel investment.  Among its key outputs, LINK-Caribbean awarded 24 Investment Facilitation grants to Caribbean start-ups and early-stage firms. The deployment of these grants along with other LINK-Caribbean activities played a central role in enabling 10 Caribbean entrepreneurs to raise over $2.3M from business angel investors.
“The number of grants that have been awarded since LINK-Caribbean was launched speaks to the high interest of capital investors, angel investors and entrepreneurs in the Caribbean region,†said Sophia Muradyan, World Bank Coordinator for the regional programme. “Many of the region’s pressing concerns in critical sectors such as transportation, health and agriculture can be addressed by innovative solutions and ideas. We hope that these awards will inspire more entrepreneurs to innovate, grow and scale up their ideas.â€
 “We are really pleased with how LINK-Caribbean has surpassed the initial targets set in terms of the value of capital raised from private investors and the number of firms benefitting from the programme. LINK-Caribbean has successfully supported the development of a rapidly emerging angel investing ecosystem and the development of a truly Caribbean Angel Network†says Christopher McNair, Manager for Competitiveness and Export Promotion at Caribbean Export.
LINK-Caribbean also facilitated the creation of a Caribbean Business Angel Network (CBAN), formerly known as RAIN. Today, CBAN serves as a collaborative platform between investor groups with the potential for pan-Caribbean early-stage investments. Within the region there are seven Angel groups (First Angels Jamaica and Alpha Angels in Jamaica; Trident Angels in Barbados; Renaissance Angels and IP Angels in Trinidad and Tobago; and Enlaces and Nexxus in the Dominican Republic) and a new group is being established in the Bahamas. First Angels Jamaica and Trident Angels from Barbados have both successfully invested in companies that were part of the LINK-Caribbean program.
 “Although the 2 – year LINK-Caribbean programme is ending, its impact as expressed by the fledgling angel investor eco-system will be sustained by the angel groups across the region†said Christopher McNair. “Caribbean Export is committed to supporting the region’s private sector with the implementation of the 11th EDF Regional Private Sector Development Program where access to finance is a key pillar.  We are also seeking alternative funding mechanisms throughout CARIFORUM.â€
The Caribbean Export Development Agency in collaboration with the European Union, GIZ and BCSI commenced a two-day workshop for practitioners in the creative and cultural industries of CARIFORUM. The Agency hosted forty (40) representatives from across CARIFORUM to support the building of capacity in the areas of music, fashion and craft in particular.
The workshop was designed to enhance the capacity of cultural practioners in comprehending the dynamics of the above mentioned global industries, thereby fostering opportunities for the export of CARIFORUM cultural and creative goods and services.
At the opening of the workshop Janet Moreno, Team Leader for Economic and Social Development Support at the Delegation of the European Union to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM informed that the EU planned to support the Region over the next four years with the implementation of the EPA specifically in the area of intellectual property “For the coming next 4 years, the European Union plans to further support the Region with the implementation of the EPA by providing more than 20 Million euros for important areas such as intellectual property rights.â€
The workshop covered topics such as branding and marketing; creating a unique value proposition. Further participants were able to get a greater understanding of intellectual property (IP) and how to utilise the opportunities under the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
The cultural and creative industries globally grew by 14% following the economic downturn of 2008 and thus Regional governments have realised the potential economic benefits of a strong creative sector and have prioritised its development.
“The global creative industry is valued at some 2.2billion USD and employs 29 million people. The Caribbean has contributed towards this, but as a region our practioners and governments still have not unlocked its true economic potential†expressed Allyson Francis, Services Specialist from Caribbean Export.
Sanya Alleyne, Technical Trade Advisor at GIZ stressed the importance of practitioners becoming familiar with emerging technologies, “It is imperative that CARIFORUM practioners become familiar with the emerging technologies that are changing production processes, distribution and marketing methods and even, access to finance. The digital economy, is well suited to aid CARIFORUM practioners in overcoming current market entry hindrances.â€
Caribbean Export is committed to the development of the regional cultural and creative industries. The two-day workshop coincided with the celebration of Services weekend in Barbados which saw a number of performances and displays at Firefly Shows which the Agency also supported.
The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP), in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, convened the “Advanced Market Intelligence Training for Business Support Organizations†last week in Kingston, Jamaica at the Jamaica Conference Centre, from November 12 – 15, 2018.
Conducting thorough market intelligence remains of critical importance in today’s dynamic, hyper-globalized world, as it ensures firms are holistically prepared for exporting and allows them to fully assess their export-readiness, while avoiding many of the common pitfalls and hurdles faced by exporters. This ultimately places firms in a better position, as it allows them greater market access in a shorter time-frame, with more efficient use of resources. The objectives of this initiative further enabled Caribbean Export to fulfil its mandate of fostering an enabling environment, enhancing competitiveness, promoting investment and strengthening institutional capacity and networking, while supporting the development of a vibrant regional business network to improve the quality of service provided to clients.
Twenty-four (24) participants from Business Support Organisations (BSOs) and Trade Promotion Institutions (TPIs) across CARIFORUM and the French Caribbean Outermost Regions (FCORs) received expert training from International Trade Centre (ITC) Advisor, Mr. Martin Lopez and ITC International Consultant/Trade Market Intelligence, Ms. Anna Eriksson. This equipped participants with the new methods, solutions and skills required to boost institutional competitiveness at all levels of their network of trade related stakeholders, while also reinforcing their portfolios of services with innovative approaches.
This 4-day workshop which is the 2nd Caribbean Export BSO training initiative for 2018, focused on the preparation of export potential analysis and the elaboration of market profiles. This provided a unique opportunity for managers and technical officers of regional BSOs and TPIs, to systematically enhance their trade intelligence capabilities. Caribbean Export is elated have been afforded the opportunity to host this capacity building and training initiative which falls under the umbrella of the 11th EDF’s RPSDP which is part of the EU’s regional economic cooperation and integration focus. The RPSDP was designed to address the increasing demands for private sector lead growth while also featuring a greater effort to integrate enterprises globally, boost competitiveness, improve the business climate and attract more foreign investment.
They showcased their Madame collection to a captivated audience, which included international buyers and fashion experts: Sharifa Murdock, co-founder and owner of Liberty Fairs and founder of Envsn Festival; Channing Hargrove, fashion writer for Refinery 29; Hillary Joseph, Director of Cabaña Swim, consultant on Fashion for Brazil and swimwear buyer for Nads Swim; and Ronny Oppong, Global Retail Relations Director for Liberty Fashion & Lifestyle Fairs.
“We have always been driven by French silhouettes, designers, the culture, the music, the lifestyle so that drove us to create the line. We used broches, bows and berets to represent the French style and to soften the pieces so they weren’t hardcore French guys but rather, ‘I am subtle, I am chic but I am also masculine’,†Shem said.
The experts included Ouigi Theodore, a Haitian designer who resides in the United States and is founder of the Brooklyn Circus, a retro-urban fashion boutique and label, and Stacey MaKenzie, a Jamaican born Canadian model and runway coach, who is famously known for judging and training models on America’s Next Top Model and Canada’s Next Top Model.
He added: “The Caribbean Export has been very instrumental in our small business by allowing for learning and workshop opportunities which has helped with the business and creative aspects of our business . The initiative has really brought Caribbean Designers together and hopefully will allow growth economically within the fashion sector.â€
“Most of the pieces may look like they are for the American and European market but they are pieces you can wear in the Caribbean, you just need to know how to do it,†Shem said.
Also featured at International Fashion Festival –Barbados Fashion Week was a collection entitled Butterfly Alumni and Jahlee Jeans by Barbadian designer, Roy Thompson.
His garments were a combination of men and women’s resort wear and featured floral prints, whites and denim. His dresses were styled with cold shoulders and frills at the ends of the sleeves. His full figured female attire comprised a white off the shoulder top and a bouncy floral skirt, which were designed to complement the best assets of a woman’s body.
His men’s jackets and jeans were clean cut and appeared comfortable and trendy. These featured minor embroidery details, especially on the pants and jackets, which really stood out and lent some elegance to the finished product.
Roy disclosed that he was invited by Caribbean Export to showcase his line in the show and explained that he intended to work with the Agency so that he could fulfil his dreams to expand his brands and have the lines carried in local and regional stores.
“My greatest desire is to broaden my horizons and get into the Caribbean markets. My passion has always been denim and I want to continue that trend because many designers aren’t into it. It’s my intention to create denim garments and even make traditional garments that usually use regular material, but in denim,†Roy said, adding he had already made a denim bridal gown.
Caribbean Export is committed to the development of fashion within the region. The agency provides opportunities for emerging and established Caribbean designers to receive technical assistance, business coaching, training and market and export development. (SP/Caribbean Export)
Persons in the audience were left mesmerized when Kimya Glasgow’s designs hit the runway at the recently concluded International Fashion Festival –Barbados Fashion Week held from the 26-28 October, 2018 hosted and managed by the Caribbean Market Center.
           Not only was the Vincentian’s capsule collection wearable, it was downright fashionable!
In addition to wowing guests at the event, Kimya’s work was seen by a team of international buyers and fashion experts including Sharifa Murdock, co-founder and owner of Liberty Fairs and founder of Envsn Festival; Luam Keflezghi, buyer of ready to wear fashion; Danielle Cooper, fashion influencer, photographer and Elle Magazine contributor and Ouigi Theodore, founder of the Brooklyn Circus, a retro-urban fashion boutique and label.
Kimya Glasgow was one of five designers whose participation was sponsored by the European Union through the 11th EDF Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP), which is being implemented by the Caribbean Export Development Agency.
Commanding the runway with her cohesive designs, Kimya’s predominately white capsule collection included chic shirt dresses, mesh beach cover-ups, long flowing dresses and a standout jumper which is the very definition of “casual eleganceâ€.
Describing her line as high-end casual, the structure of the designer’s garments allows for a flattering yet fabulous fit.
“It’s really classic Caribbean style for modern living…. You would realize we have lots of shirt dresses because my clients really love the ease of buttoning up something or just slipping it over their heads. What I like about my line is the versatility. I like that somebody could wear something I designed to the office but then you could wear it to a party after; put on a jacket, take off a jacket and still be cool and feminine.â€
She also emphasized: “I like to cut for women’s bodies so it’s about a flattering fit. I highlight and accentuate the things that women feel comfortable with and are confident about, then skim over other parts. I think of my customers as strong and powerful, go-getter women who have busy lives but want to feel confident when they step into a room. I pay attention to detail because I don’t want the dress to wear the person, I want the person to wear the dress.â€
Born in St. Vincent and the Grenadines but raised in Trinidad, Kimya explained she studied fashion design at the Barbados Community College before settling in her birthland to establish her fashion business.
The owner of Kimya Glasgow Boutique, located in the Kingstown Cruise Ship Terminal in St. Vincent, credited the Caribbean Export Development Agency for supporting her dream.
She was a beneficiary of Caribbean Exports’ Women Empowered through Export (WE-Xport) programme, which was launched in March 2018. The initiative provides business coaching, training and numerous resources to women-owned businesses in the Caribbean. It also seeks to facilitate export or increase the export of products and services.
“Caribbean Export has been a significant part of my business growth. Over the years, I received many opportunities for business and export training, such as Export Marketing Training.†she recalled.
“I applied and succeeded in obtaining a Direct Assistance Grant from Caribbean Export in 2011, which allowed me to do some much needed expansion on my business. Caribbean Export has also supported me by funding my participation in Dominicana Moda 2014, where my collection was well-received and I was able to do significant research on manufacturing in Dominican Republic and Haiti,†she added.
Divulging some of her differentiating factors, the Vincentian designer said she had a strong preference for natural fabrics and invoking history in her work.
“We are very much a natural line, we only use natural fabrics so things that are bio-degradable like cottons, linens and silk that feel good on the skin and are actually healthier. People don’t often realize because the skin is the largest organ of your body that it actually has an impact on you as a person, but we are moving towards becoming a full eco line in terms of our resort wear and to have a sustainable and ethical brand,†she disclosed.
Kimya has also added a touch of Vincentian uniqueness to her designs by incorporating hieroglyphics from Carib stones on one of her mesh cover-ups. The bronze glittered hand-painted symbol pays tribute to the Caribbean’s indigenous inhabitants and preserves their history. She intends to recreate more “Carib stone symbols†by hand painting them onto garments and eventually producing a print.
The Caribbean Export Development Agency provides transformative and targeted interventions aimed at enhancing the exportability and competitiveness of regional brands. The Creative Industry, of which fashion is an important sector, has been identified as a priority area.     (SP/Caribbean Export)
The eye catching designs showcased at the recently held International Fashion Festival –Barbados Fashion Week could easily have been snatched from the runway and worn to the beach or to an upscale all-inclusive event!
The impressive fashion displayed by the regional designers was possible thanks to the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) who supported their participation at the fashion showcase held on 27th October 2018 at Bellevue Plantation, Barbados with funding from the European Union via the 11th EDF Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP).
Among those featured was fashion designer Kristin Frazer of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. She showcased her tenth anniversary collection Zion, under the fashion label Trefle.
Describing her collection as “nice, easy and beautifulâ€, it featured monokinis and flowing dresses in colour choices ranging from coral to blue to red to lime green. The highlight of her capsule collection was an original print named Eustatia, after one of the islands in the BVI.
“We create all our prints; we’ve been doing so since 2015. That is something we decided to do to step out of the box and make us a little bit more eye catching not just for the local and regional markets but for the international market because we are export ready,†she said, adding that she caters to wholesale and retail buyers.
“I really want to be able to stand out, especially coming from a small country with less than 30,000 people. So if I want to go international, I really, really got to stand out,†she emphasized.
Worth mentioning is the impeccable fit of her swimwear, something she attributes to her strong sewing skills.
“Well I am a seamstress first then a fashion designer. When I design I try to think about different body types… I am not only catering to Caribbean women, I am catering to European women when the tourists come down. I am catering to the American woman so I try to design things to fit all the body types without stretching myself too far.
“A swimsuit is a swimsuit, but because I am a seamstress I try to engineer the best way to make sure a swimsuit truly fits and not just truly fit a size four and size six. The swimsuits that I do start at size four and go up to size 20. I also add what is called high powered mesh for tummy control to provide more support. I don’t use any underwires, I use soft foam paddings so your nipples don’t show through. I try to come up with those little details that matter and that count so when a woman puts on a Trefle swimsuit, she really feels comfortable and she’s ready to roll… my swimsuits are a bit more conservative but they really help to make you feel empowered and beautiful, so I try to standout in that way,†Kristin said.
Extending a “huge thanks†to the Caribbean Export Development Agency for its support, the fashion designer added: “It’s really coming together in terms of trying to get Caribbean designers into the mainstream and international markets. I enjoyed the fashion workshop also so I really want to say thanks.â€
David treated guests at the fashion show to a sneak preview of his 2019 collection. His capsule featured solid white cottons and linen. It carried a strong seventies vibe with short, mid-leg and long female pants, breezy shirts and cute dresses. The women’s outfits were complemented with headwraps, which he said were inspired by a visit to Dakar, the capital of Senegal in West Africa.
His men’s wear carried a refreshing look and featured jackets trimmed with a blue patterned material.
“The collection has a seventies vibe. It’s very joyful, you can go to parties on Miami Beach or in Barbados for a soca festival. What is good with my line is that it is not limited to the beach or resort, you can wear them all year long. You can mix them with other pieces because it’s very flexible,†David said.
Fashion is a key element in the creative industry and Caribbean Export Development Agency has been instrumental in providing technical assistance, business development support and access to finance to regional designers. (SP/Caribbean Export)
