The much anticipated Caribbean Food and Drink Conference and Jus’ Caribbean Festival both sponsored by Grace Foods UK, went without a hitch and to the enjoyment of all, last weekend. The conference attendance exceeded expectations and saw High Commissioner for Saint Lucia His Excellency Guy Mayers deliver the keynote address which pointed out ‘Why the Caribbean’ should be the region of the world to benefit from a post-BREXIT Britain and capitalise on innumerable trade opportunities.
Celebrity chef Levi Roots also made the point about entrepreneurial preparedness, outlining that even without a formal education he was able to slay the BBC Dragons to become the most successful food entrepreneur in the Caribbean community – all because he was mentally prepared. Several other speakers including global rum ambassador Ian Burrell thrilled the diverse audience with facts, figures and humour. The aim of these unique events is to promote Caribbean products and services to the world. CEO of CaribDirect Multi-Media, David F. Roberts, said, “We have achieved our objective to link a few Caribbean businesses with sellers in the UK as GRACE Foods met with the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC).”
Following the conference was Jus’ Caribbean Festival which enabled sellers such as BIDC, Dalgety Herbal Teas, Victoria Mutual, Taste of Barbados, Caribbean Ice, St Lucia Trade Export Promotions Agency (TEPA) and many others sell and provide samples to a discerning British audience. The hot sunshine, steelpan music and smell of jerk meats seemed to grab visitors by the collar in large numbers to witness comedy performances by Wayne ‘Dibbi’ Rollins, comedienne Donna Spence and MTV Base presenter KAT Boyce.
Gospel renditions by Natalie Phillips, Adelaide MacKenzie were amazing, supported by dance by Leanna Ferguson and others. These events were supported by The Voice Newspaper, Prostate Cancer UK and Colourful Radio. Planning for Caribbean Food and Drink Conference and Jus’ Caribbean Festival has already begun and details will be available on www.caribbeanfoodanddrinkconference.com and Jus’ Caribbean Festival website: www.juscaribbean.com very soon or call 0207 856 0376. You may also join us on Facebook: CaribbeanFoodandDrinkConference or Twitter: @CaribConference.
