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Barbadian competitor Anne Skinner shows Prime Minister Freundel Stuart her exhibit which was judged in the Heritage category.

World-class blooms on show

EXTRAORDINARY works of floral art are currently being showcased at the 12th World Flower Show, being hosted in Barbados.

To this end, Barbadians and visitors to the island are being encouraged to visit the exhibition which is being displayed on the lower and upper level of the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, and features the creativity and ingenuity of some of the world’s most talented floral artists who have used beautiful blooms to create spectacular floral masterpieces.

The event, which is hosted every three years by a member country of the World Association of Floral Artists (WAFA), is being held under the theme “Flowers in Paradise”. It features over 270 individual floral artists and designers from over 28 countries. It will conclude on Sunday June 25.

The 12th World Flower Show was officially opened on Wednesday night by Prime Minister the Rt Hon Freundel Stuart who highlighted the importance of such a world class event being hosted on the island. He says Barbados holds the distinction of being the first country in the region to host the show.

He commended the World Association of Floral Artists Barbados (2014-2017) for their successful bid for the event, which President of WAFA Barbados Maurice Webster revealed was a journey that started a decade ago.

“Barbados has been represented at nine of the past 11 world shows and some of our members have gained individual awards in all categories. … As a result of this, persons attending can expect to be captivated by the designs and concepts that individuals create in order to portray a particular theme.”

Prime Minister Stuart also noted that 20 hotels ranging from intimate to luxury category have been booked by participants. While the show started on June 22, he revealed that some registrants started to arrive as early as June 15 to start assembling their exhibits.

“This is good for Barbados since the average length of stay of most exhibitors will be ten days, and is sure to have a positive effect on our economy,” he said.

Also highlighted were the honorary exhibits that have been set up by WAFA member countries; demonstrations by local and international experts, and a vendors’
market.

The Prime Minister posited the view that the diversity of flowers, in their colours shapes and sizes reflect the harmonious relationship that was intended for mankind.

“May this 12th World Flower Show, here in Barbados, offer you a glimpse of what the world could be like if we learned to be more tolerant and appreciative of one another, as we exist, side by side,” he said.

The next World Flower Show will be held in India in 2020. (JH)

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