Jus’ Caribbean Festival: Jus’ right for the Caribbean says diplomat

It’s ten months till the grand staging of the first Jus’ Caribbean Festival 2017, a follow-on to the successful Caribbean Food and Drink Expo 2015 organised by CaribDirect Multi-Media. Sponsored by Grace Foods UK the Grace Foods Jus’ Caribbean Festival 2017 is to be preceded by the Grace Foods Caribbean Food and Drink Conference at the recently refurbished Lambeth College in Clapham Common, London.

These events are expected to attract both UK and Caribbean support as the project continues to enlist strategic partners interested in assisting Caribbean exporters / manufacturers to increase their competitiveness and value in the United Kingdom market; the main objective of the events.

In recognition of the need to reach out to Caribbean restaurateurs, chefs, cooks and other industry practitioners a pre-launch of the events was held at Lambeth College. Short presentations from the Jus’ Caribbean Festival team outlining the ethos and objectives of the events plus remarks from the main sponsors Grace Foods, were delivered supported by a riveting speech from the Deputy High Commissioner for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. All of this was rendered against the backdrop of sweet Caribbean music on a steel pan with the strong aroma of Caribbean cuisine and an assortment of Grace drinks to wash it down.

Guests were welcomed by David F. Roberts, founder of CaribDirect Multi-Media and Jus’ Caribbean Festival who outlined the vision as,  ‘to make Jus’ Caribbean Festival the UK’s largest and most economically relevant “WORLD FOOD” event for all to enjoy.’ A feat he regards as entirely possible and achievable within three to five years.

Following in quick succession was Deputy High Commissioner for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Mrs Doris Charles who made the point that the focus of the Jus’ Caribbean Festival is, ‘So right and the idea of selling the Caribbean to Europe and everywhere else has just catapulted beyond the boundaries of small island states,’

Grace Foods UK Head of Marketing Nyree Chambers expressed her pleasure to be working with the CaribDirect team on this exciting project. She was followed by Grace Foods Caribbean Food and Drink Conference director, Bertram Leon who emphasized the need for the conference to provide a unique opportunity for manufacturers and exporters to take full advantage of the opportunity to speak with buyers to understand how to properly package and present their wares to a discerning market.

The pre-launch gave prospective sponsors an insight into what would be on offer at next year’s events and also provide an opportunity to get any queries or concerns about sponsorship or strategic partnership arrangements cleared up from the ‘horse’s mouth’ so to speak.

Guests were treated to 15 to 30 second video clips of Jamaica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Victoria Mutual Building Society and of course, Grace Foods UK. In recognition of the presence of distinguished guests such as  Deputy High Commissioner for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Mrs Doris Charles; Counselor for Jamaican High Commission, Ms Carol Lee-Lea, Trade Diplomat from the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission, Ms Beverley Reviero-Awonaya and Caribbean representative from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Mr Paul Carter, gift baskets courtesy Grace Foods were given out in appreciation by Mrs Carol Vaughan-Roberts, administrative director for CaribDirect and Mrs Nyree Chambers of Grace Foods UK.

Bringing the formal proceedings to an end was Jus’ Caribbean Festival’s Marketing Director, Ms Wanda Connor who skillfully summarized the presentations pointing out the salient points for the guests to ponder and reflect on as they choose which events to support next year. She thanked the sponsors, Lambeth College, the dignitaries and the guests for their support in coming out to share this special evening with the Jus’ Caribbean Festival team and sponsors.

As persons mingled and networked in the well-appointed Lambeth College Restaurant the crisp sounds of steel pan music performed by Brent Holder MBE, rang through creating an unmistakably Caribbean atmosphere that was visibly enjoyed by all. Important connections, business and personal were made and plans are now seriously afoot to ensure Grace Foods Caribbean Food and Drink Conference and Grace Foods Jus’ Caribbean Festival. 2017 are unforgettable events spoken of in more than one significant community in the Unite Kingdom.

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