Kingston, Jamaica, December 16, 2015 – It was a visibly proud Industry, Investment & Commerce Minister, Anthony Hylton who gave a resounding endorsement to the newly released True Stories magazine at the official launch held at the Jamaica Business Development Corporation’s head office in Kingston last evening.
The Minister’s endorsement followed a presentation by the JBDC’s CEO, Valerie Veira. “The creative energies and artistic abilities of our Jamaican craftsmen and women have never failed to amaze me. I am no less impressed with the 22 craft producers featured in the inaugural “True Stories” magazine published by the JBDC. It is, indeed, my great pleasure to endorse this worthwhile publication,” he said.
The picturesque, glossy publication follows the conclusion of the two-year North Coast Craft Revitalization project. The North Coast Craft Revitalization Project (NCCRP) was a collaborative effort between the JBDC and the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF). The JMD$15 million Project was aimed at improving the competitiveness and income generating capabilities of craft producers in the North Coast Region of the island, specifically in the parishes of St. Ann, Trelawny and St. James.
“All of this represents a major boost for the craft industry in particular, and the tourism sector in general. I want to take this opportunity to applaud the beneficiaries who successfully completed the programme. You are now equipped to operate in a much more professional manner, and I know that these valuable skills will be passed on to others,” he said.
The Minister also expressed hope that their participation in the project, which sought to improve product quality, finishing and design, will lead to the craft producers selling more products, especially at Christmas! “Over the years, one of the weaknesses of our craft producers has been the inconsistency in terms of product quality and product supplies. At one point in time, there were complaints that for years we were producing essentially the same products. Or in other
words, we expected tourists to come here to buy the same products over and over again. No business can operate in that way, and continue in the long run, to be successful,” he added.
The exclusive event, dubbed ‘True Stories’ was also attended by His Excellency Mr. Alexis Sandoval Cajar – Panama Ambassador, Dr. Solangel Ortiz-Mejia – Charge d’ Affairs Colombia, Mrs. Theresa Noel-Belasco – Charge d’ Affairs Trinidad & Tobago, other distinguished guests from both government and private sector entities, as well as NCCRP project beneficiaries.
The public launch of True Stories is scheduled to take place at the Things Jamaican Devon House store on Thursday, December 17, 2015.
-30-
For more information contact:
JBDC Corporate Communications Unit
14 Camp Road, Kingston 4.
Tele: (876) 928-5161-5 Ext. 244, 277
Direct: (876) 930-8531
Mobile: (876) 360-3018
Toll Free: 1-888-232-4357
