BMEX launched

The Barbados Manufacturers’ Association (BMA) is pleased with the interest being shown in this year’s Barbados Manufacturers’ Exhibition (BMEX).

Speaking yesterday morning at the media launch held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Ann Johnson, Event Coordinator with the BMA, said that to date the response from those interested in being exhibitors has been good and there is in fact a waiting list. Her comments came as she disclosed that there are also a lot of young entrepreneurs desirous of being part of the event, more she said, than last year.

Adding to her comments, President Robert Noel noted that there was a falloff in patrons last year as there were a number of events that took place that same weekend, which negatively impacted BMEX. But, he stated that things are shaping up nicely and they expect a much better turnout from both the public and exhibitors. He made the point while noting that patrons will have the opportunity to see firsthand a wide range of locally manufactured products, which are all of a high quality.

With that in mind, he added that this year’s BMEX is promising to be better than it was in 2017. Noel indicated that this year’s event is being held under the theme ‘Bajan Fuh Real’, and though it is coming against the backdrop of economic difficulty and to some extent political uncertainty, it will see new activities being introduced.

“While our companies are the main focus for BMEX, the showcase is an effort which recognises that the manufacturing sector is part of a wider society. BMEX is about partnership building and collaboration; for this reason BMEX also gives service providers an opportunity to highlight their offerings for manufacturers, to find complimentary services such as new technologies and inputs which can enhance their operations,” he said.

Noel went on to say that the TVET Council’s World Skills Competition will be part of the weekend’s activities for the second consecutive year. Additionally, he said they will be partnering with the talent search company “Start de Bacchanal” to host a talent search event, giving prospective entertainers an avenue to showcase their talent, and there will also be an opportunity for established and up and coming designers to showcase their work at a fashion show.

“For too long in Barbados we have been working in silos and one thing which BMEX continues to do is create partnerships between the cultural industries and manufacturing, as the products of both can easily complement each other. We will be providing even more demonstrations for our patrons to see, as such our patrons can look forward to more interactive displays in our food section as well as in our arts and crafts section,” he added.

The BMA President also noted that there will be two play areas for the children, one inside where children will be well supervised while their parents tour the venue, as well as one on the outside. (JRT)