More than twenty Saint Lucian entrepreneurs had their goods and services showcased when the popular Farmer’s Market was hosted at Derek Walcott Square in downtown Castries on Friday, April 28, 2023.
Items featured at the Farmer’s Market included ground provision, vegetables, fruits, chopping, local fruit juices, teas, flours, pickled mangoes, guava jelly, spices, craft items, lotions, cakes, eggs, sea moss, shampoo, conditioners, wines, soaps, jewelry, clothing, brooms, and house plants.
The event attracted many passersby, some of whom purchased items that were on display. There was also some networking among exhibitors and visitors.
Among those who showcased their businesses on the day were members of the Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and Action (CAFRA), Urban Herbs Nursery, Sweet Connect, and MelanAid, all of whom participated in the Business Incubator programme sponsored by the Republic of China (Taiwan).
His Excellency Peter Chia-yen Chen, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Chen; Hon. Alfred Prospere, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development; Hon. Shawn Edward, Minister for Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training; and Mr. Daniel Lee, Head of the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM), visited the various booths and interacted with the exhibitors.
During the tour, the delegation also sampled some of the eats and drinks on sale, and interacted with the exhibitors, some of whom shared their personal entrepreneurial stories and expressed gratitude to the Taiwanese Government and Ministry of Agriculture for organizing the event.
The Farmer’s Market is a collaboration among Ministry of Agriculture and the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM), and is hosted in various communities around Saint Lucia.
Since being introduced some years ago, it has blossomed into a staple event for many communities, especially for the economic benefits it generates.
The event is also a great way to networking, and promotes crop diversity, agro-processing, high-efficiency production model, and strengthens the market system.
SOURCE: Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Saint Lucia. PHOTO: His Excellency Peter Chia-yen Chen, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia; Hon. Alfred Prospere, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development; Hon. Shawn Edward, Minister for Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training; and Mr. Hugo Lo, Specialist of Taiwan Technical Mission, get a first-hand explanation on the production of mushrooms from a local farmer.
Is it necessary in the heat to be choked up with suit & Tie? see how smart the Taewanese are dressed – then to desecrate the vulnerable Derek Wallcot Square with a bunch of stuff, more suited for the playing field at Vigie. Who makes these dumb decisions?