The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) is celebrating its 200th anniversary with a partnership with CARIFESTA XV to host Bridgetown Days — a two-day event of citywide shopping promotions aimed at revitalising the capital.
Chamber president Paul Ashby said the partnership was fitting as the chamber marks its bicentenary.
“The chamber has actively, over the years, participated and supported craft and culture in Barbados. During our 200th anniversary celebration on September 20, we are going to be having a bicentennial ball where we will be showcasing the arts of Barbadian artists and designers.” he said.
Ashby noted that the revitalisation of Bridgetown has long been a focus for the chamber.
He said: “One of the many projects that the chamber has undertaken over the years, and we started this back in 2012, was the revitalisation of Bridgetown. We felt that it was an area that we need to spend some time and effort on, and that continues. So this opportunity that we have before us ties in perfectly.”
Ashby also praised the private sector’s longstanding support for culture: “The corporate community of Barbados has always been a fantastic support to culture, arts and craft. If you just take Crop Over, which we just came through — all the sponsorships, the food, the drinks, the telecommunications — all of that happens because of corporate Barbados. This is another opportunity where corporate supports entrepreneurs.”
Former BCCI president and managing director of Abed’s, Eddy Abed, highlighted the wide range of deals on offer.
He said: “Specifically on the 23rd and the 30th, I’m looking at the offerings from many of our members and independent retailers and merchants in the city, and it ranges from jewellery to garments, footwear, banks and credit unions offering specials, and Flow, who is also a sponsor. These specials range between about 10 and 15 per cent up to as much as 50 per cent. In addition, they’re doing several giveaways — buy this, and we give you that free — or some of the vendors are asking people just to visit their shops and they will give them a token, a free gift.”
Abed added that Bridgetown Days was a chance to showcase the best of the capital: “I think it is an opportunity, especially for those who are visiting our island, to come and see what the city has to offer. For Bajans who know the city or may not have been there for a while, this is an excellent opportunity to visit.” (SB)
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