ANTIGUA & BARBUDA – All week we’ve been reporting on the discussions and possible outcomes from the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.
But, there was another side to those meetings, which help to give local businesses and vendors access to a global marketplace – it was the cultural village.
Our Italia Hall-Thomas tried her hand at some of the food, refreshments and even fragrances.
Take a look.
A taste of Antigua, a little local flavour and a whole lot of culture – that was the experience inside the cultural village at the American University of Antigua, where many of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meetings happened.
With delegates and visitors arriving from across 56 commonwealth countries, local vendors capitalized on the opportunity to introduce their products to potential global customers.
Inside a large tent on the university campus, the cultural village featured a variety of local products, including drinks, clothing, fragrances and more.
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, the marketing arm of the Ministry of Tourism, was also on site supporting the initiative and helping to give local businesses a platform.
Senior Digital Marketing Officer, Abena Merchant.
And it wasn’t just the vendors under the tent. Outside, food businesses were also serving up local favorites.
The Buzz Barbuda was among them, showcasing a variety of local dishes.
The owner says being part of an event like this allows small businesses greater access.
But getting that opportunity also required preparation. She says vendors had to meet certain requirements in order to be here.
We also spoke with owner of Elle’s Homestyle, Eleanor Thomas, and Faye Hudson, an employee of Kim’s Delight – who were both appreciative for the chance to participate in this cultural showcase.
I also got to experience a little taste of Antigua myself, trying my very first cheese roll from Kim’s Delight.
Back inside the cultural village, there was something local to satisfy every taste.
Take for instance Samuel Farrell, owner of Ras Gummy 268 collection, showcasing a variety of wines and spirits.
For these business owners, CHOGM was about more than the high-level meetings. It was a chance to share their culture, showcase their creativity and introduce their products to a much wider world.
