PRESS RELEASE

Developing Grenada's craft and gift sector

There is need to establish an umbrella trade industry association to represent and seek the interests of stakeholders in Grenada’s Craft and Gift sector.

This was the consensus emerging from a Round Table Discussion convened by the Agency for Reconstruction and Development (ARD) today (Wednesday).

It was agreed that the umbrella association should include producers, designers, retailers, wholesalers, exporters and investors. Training programmes, including business management skills development for craft producers, bulk purchasing, and seeking institutional support from the Government of Grenada were identified as potential responsibilities for such an association.

The Round Table Discussion was attended by a cross-section of craft and gift producers, retailers and non-governmental organisations, as well as the banking sector.

Representatives from the Grenada Cooperative Bank and the Grenada Development Bank expressed the view that financing of the sector would be greatly facilitated by an umbrella association.

There are at least 270 individual craft producers in Grenada, plus numerous gift shops and other retail outlets.

ARD Director of Economic Recovery Richard de Lima noted the need for a “marketing document” that profiles the craft and gift sector “in its totality” as a key area for investment in Grenada.

To this end, the ARD has commissioned a profile on the Craft and Gift Sector, and participants at the Round Table Discussion had the opportunity to examine the draft document and provide inputs. The profile provides an overview of the sector, focusing on the following “made in Grenada” sub-sectors:

· Decorative Home Furnishings

· Costumes, including masquerade and theatrical

· Art and ornamental ware

· Jewelry

· Clothing

· Souvenirs

· Toys and Games

As a means of stimulating investment in Grenada, the ARD has commissioned similar profiles on Agriculture, Fisheries, Information Communication Technology, Tourism, and Higher Education and Training.

Representatives from the following entities participated in the Round

Table Discussion:

· Grenada Development Bank

· Grenada Cooperative Bank Ltd.

· Grenada National Organisation of Women

· Grenada National Council for the Disabled

· White Cane Industries

· GIGI Spice Dolls

· Reflections

· Caribbean Naturals

· Art And Soul

· Helvellyn House Pottery

· Angel Fish

· Tropical Jewellry Magic

· Grenada Art Council

June 27, 2007

Agency for Reconstruction and Development

Botanical Gardens, St. George’s, Grenada

Tel: 473-439-5606;

Fax: 473-439-5609;

Email: mail@ardgrenada.org <mailto:mail@ardgrenada.org>

Website: www.ardgrenada.org