Sun Island News
Sun Island Jamaica at the Expo Jamaica 2016
After 4 days, 400+ exhibitors and thousands of patrons, the 43rd staging of Expo Jamaica came to a close on Sunday night. The Caribbean’s largest trade show was staged by the Jamaica Manufacturers Association (JMA), Jamaica Exporters Association (JEA), and the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO). Flow Jamaica was the title sponsor for the event.
Showcasing Jamaican products and services, the prestigious event focused on a fraction of the quality that this small island has to offer. Each booth had its own flavour, with items ranging from apparel and jewellery, to food and beverages, to body care products and much more.
On Thursday April 14th, the biennial event was first open only to 500 executive buyers from 27 countries, including Jamaica. Buyers got a first look at the booth set-ups and had the opportunity to meet exhibitors and build profitable relationships. At the end of the first day’s showcase, the opening ceremony commenced with speeches from JEA newly-elected President Michelle Chong, Flow Jamaica CEO Garfield Sinclair, and concluded with words from our Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, just to name a few. For the entertainment factor, a cultural piece in the form of song and dance, with Minister of Foreign Trade & Affairs, Kamina Johnson-Smith showing off her skills followed by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen along with First Lady Allen kicking their dancing shoes. The ceremony was later followed by the cutting of the ribbon to the trade show’s entrance, a tour of the booths, and ended with a lyme outside the arena, where attendants were treated to food, drinks, and musical stylings of Kurt Riley right up until midnight.
Situated near the National Indoor Sports Center entrance, Sun Island Jamaica was one of the first encounters for many. Our booth was complimented by simple yet captivating image posters (printed by Paperboy JA) and populated with shirts of all styles and colours, plus caps, bags, and of course… our smiling team members.
At the Expo, we gave a first look at three of our newest products (not yet in stores):
- Heather t-shirts
- Princess-cut polo shirts
- Princess-cut twill shirts
In clothing, ‘heather’ refers to interwoven yarns of mixed colours producing flecks of an alternate colour. Our heather shirts give a relaxed fit and feel and will come in a variety of styles such as crewneck, v-neck, and ringer tees. In ladies’ princess shirts, it is a bit fitted at the top, then tapers in at the waist, and flares at the hip to better compliment the feminine figure.
We also introduced interested persons to our new ‘Design your own Tee’ feature, which allows a preview of your desired custom shirt after building the design yourself online. After creating your design, you may get an instant price quotation then place an order for printing. Be your own artist, visit the Help Page to get started.
Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security Senator Pearnel Charles Jr., and Miss Jamaica World 2016 (our former model) Sanneta Myrie were two public figures that took their time to admire our booth and interact with our staff.
On Friday, the buyer showcase continued for the first portion of the day; Later on in the evening, it opened to the public, roughly one hour before scheduled due to the anticipation building outside of the National Arena. Continuing into the weekend, Saturday and Sunday were the busiest days, with a full stadium parking lot and an even more filled arena. With hundreds of exhibitions, a food court, and a play zone of games, prizes, snacks, and a petting zoo… The eager crowd flocked from point to point daily trying to get every piece of action. Many patrons took advantage of discounts, sampling, and giveaways by the various booths. If that wasn’t enough for you, multiple contests, raffles and performances took place between the two venues for a chance to win attractive prizes.
It was a very eventful four days for Jamaican producers. Buying local products benefits the country in more ways than one; Added exposure and interest generated from shows such as this should contribute positively to our economy. Thank you to the organizers of Expo Jamaica, looking forward to 2018!
Sun Island Jamaica, proud to say Jamaica-made!