The Anse Cawet Crafters of Laborie and the Fond St Jacques Development Committee Inc. in Soufriere now have a new home to showcase their 100% Saint Lucian creations.
On Friday, the Morne Coubaril Historical Park unveiled its revamped gift shop, an initiative born from a collaboration between the Taiwan Technical Mission and the Park itself.
The upgraded facility offers artisans and agro-processors from Laborie, Fond St Jacques, and surrounding rural communities a renewed platform to celebrate and market the island’s cultural heritage.
Eleanor Rae, General Manager of Soufriere Hotwire Rides, hailed the launch as a milestone.
“This moment is not just about a physical space, it’s about what the space represents – growth, creativity, and partnership,” she said. “For our crafters and community members, this shop is more than a sales outlet; it’s a platform where their skills, traditions and stories can reach the world.”
Rae extended heartfelt thanks to the Taiwan Technical Mission for supporting the expansion, saying: “Your commitment shows what’s possible when international partnerships align with community ambition.”
Nicole Sue, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), reflected on a recent visit to the park that revealed its untapped potential.
“Today’s event intends to create more opportunities, hence it is run under the theme of Partnership for Prosperity,” she said. “Indeed, this is a celebration of partnership, bringing together the beautiful handcraft presented by the energetic Anse Cawet crafters from Laborie, the delicious food items from the Agro processors from Fond St Jacques, as well as here at this exciting Morne Coubaril Historical park in Soufriere.”
She explained that the gift shop renovation is part of a broader bilateral community business revitalisation project, led by the Taiwan Technical Mission under the Ministry of Commerce.
The initiative aims to empower MSMEs by enhancing branding, storytelling and tourism packaging, while fostering partnerships and increasing income through community tourism.
“We supported the renovation of the gift shop, which is now committed to providing a platform for the artisans and agro-processors we serve,” she added.
Commerce Minister Emma Hippolyte, also MP for Soufriere/Fond St Jacques, underscored the significance of the launch.
She said the project strengthens product development and marketing for community businesses. “And I am very pleased that we are having the launch and the opening of the gift shop in time for the new (cruise) season.”
Hippolyte emphasised the shift from a business strategy that relies on breaking into foreign markets. “Here we are saying we are looking inward and saying we have these products and the customers we expect to come to us instead of shipping out,” she said.
The event concluded with the unveiling and signing of commemorative plaques by the minister, Ambassador Sue and representatives of the Anse Cawet Crafters and Fond St Jacques Development Committee. Guests were then invited to tour the newly renovated facility.
