By Michael Bascombe
In Shanghai
SHANGHAI, China, July 19, 2010 – Grenada’s Booth continues to be the centre of attraction in the CARICOM Pavilion at the World Expo in Shanghai. The Expo, which opened to the public in May, will run through the end of October 2010.
Grenada is participating in the global event along with 13 other Caribbean Countries who are all converged in a joint pavilion under the leadership of CARICOM.
On Saturday, the World EXPO in Shanghai commemorated CARICOM day where all Caribbean participants celebrated a joint national day. Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, accompanied by Mrs. Thomas, was among CARICOM leaders in Shanghai to commemorate this event.
A 12-member cultural team headed by Junior Culture Minister Senator Arley Gill also participated in the CARICOM day activities. The contingent featured as Grenada’s cultural contribution inside the CARICOM Pavilion.
The Government of China says that more than 70 million visitors are expected to converge on the 3.28 sq Km park which was specially constructed for the stellar event. The Grenada Nutmeg Booth continues to draw thousands of spectators who are attracted to the unique design and desirous in getting to know more about Grenada and its Nutmeg.
Depicting Grenada’s black gold, the Nutmeg concept of the booth was designed by Atlantic Partnerships and was the brainchild of the local organisation committee headed by the Ministry of Trade which included significant input from the Grenada Industrial Development Cooperation (GIDC), The Ministry and The Grenada Board of Tourism, The Ministry of Culture and the Embassy of Grenada in China.
Ambassador Marcelle Gairy and Counsellor Richard A. Nixon were very instrumental in the preparations of the EXPO.
Grenada’s mission at the World EXPO is to promote Grenada’s rich and diversified culture to the world, in addition to providing insight to the evolution of our development into a 21st century country. A significant focus launched at the EXPO is Grenada as a prime tourism destination for the Asian market as disposable income grows in this part of the world and new holiday destinations are sought.
A significant part of the work for Team Grenada would be to drive bi-lateral trade between Grenada and Asia. Some of Grenada’s flagship products such as Nutmed, Rums from Clarke’s Court and Westerhall Estate distilleries, a suite of De la Grenade products, together with products such as nutmeg jams, jellies and various sauces and stews made from local fruits are stacked on display in the Nutmeg Booth.
Underpinning the goals and objectives of Team Grenada in China, these operators would be actively seeking out Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) opportunities from the Asean market into target sectors for Grenada. Some of these areas are in the agricultural/farming sectors; tourism real estate and service areas; ICT software and hardware support facilities; manufacturing; human resource development, training and education sectors.
The Grenada Industrial and Investment Corporation (GIDC) will be hosting seminars throughout the six-month EXPO period to provide further information and answer any questions qualified parties may have in further looking at various opportunities in Grenada.
There is a also a fine display of Grenadian art provided by Susan Mains, Eric Johnson, Tricia Bethel, Oliver Benoit and Gilbert Nero.
Grenada’s participation in the 2010 World EXPO has been made possible through a grant from the government of the People’s Republic of China, which was provided to each CARICOM country to facilitate their respective participation in the 2010 World Expo.
2 comments:
the nutmeg booth is a great designer realisation to present grenada in shang hai. what a exposure !!! for our little island. what i miss is the PR, not only in grenada, also in all the westindies... the media hasto check and look anytime on their infochannels nothing can be left out to promote this participation. on the world expo in shang hai.
it could be used in so many diffrent ways. like in the media with some daily infos, what is going on in the pavillion...
why there was no video on facebook or over the internet, for the 1000000 grenadien at home to let them see the celebration of the grenadien pavillion day on the 17.july ??? we the peaople, want to know what is happening when they showcase in the name of our country GRENADA. we want to be proud of our designers, artist, business peaple that gave there creativety to make grenada what it is to day. why are not all the artist, that gave there paintings and art work to show in the pavillion, mentioned with there name ??? why you chooseto publish only some of them. the media has to be honest and informed. we all have the same rights and all have a voice to be heared. the media should be more involved and informed in any case. it is the people that make grenada.
let them know what is gooing on.
the world show is for the world but
grenada has to make more PR and beat the drums strong and laud.
blessing and gratulation for making this project rialety, and a compliment to eric johnson and susan mains to motivate the artist to make some special art pieces, bring the art to shang hai, and haeng them in the pavillion.
artist/lilonido
lilonido@gmail.com
Dear Anonymous,
I am disappointed in the way you attempted to attack the media in your comments. There is a difference between the independent media and public relations which refer to specific groups and organisations and in this case the government.
Your question, "why there was no video on facebook or over the internet, for..? Have you searched the internet by way of google or other search means before you typed your concerns? I don't usually respond to people who either appear ignorant or for malicious reasons provide false impressions.
For your information, I was in Shanghai, China and have uploaded videos, stories and photos of the various activities over the weekend. Just as you found this story I am certain with a little more effort you would have found videos on youtube and other social networks as well as FriendsofGrenada.
My warning to you is to do research before making these assumptions since they may be many people who are reading your comments and are shaking their heads.
As a guide, please check google, Grenada in Shanghai or other relevant subjects on youtube for video.
A search on mikebascombe on youtube will also assist you.
I thank you very much!
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