A record 150 entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to ply their trade, this Saturday, September 13, when the Rural Development Commission (RDC) stages its 13th Rural Enterprise Showcase at the Gall Hill Playing Field in St. John.
Drawn from the parishes of St. John, St. Joseph, St. George, St. Thomas and Christ Church, the entrepreneurs are expected to showcase their talents in myriad areas, including art and craft, ceramics, leather craft, local clothing, and agro-processing. Potted plants, fruits and vegetables and other categories of small-business will also be on display.
The showcase will get under way at 8:00 a.m. and run until 10:00 p.m., with an official opening ceremony slated for 3:00 p.m. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Haynesley Benn, will deliver the feature address, while Prime Minister, David Thompson, who is also MP for the area, is expected to make remarks. Chairman of the RDC, Michael Power, is expected to deliver welcome remarks, while Canon Reverend Geoffrey Mayers will lead the opening prayer.
A cultural package, including the tuk-band, stiltmen and green monkeys, will precede the official opening; and patrons can expect a full entertainment package including performances by the Barbados Police Band, the Wilson Hill Chorale and several local calypsonians, among them the reigning Pic-o-de-Crop Monarch, Adrian Clarke.
During the morning period, entrepreneurs will also have an opportunity to further promote their goods and services on 98.1, THE ONE radio station. Live music will also be played by well-known DJs.
Other exhibitions are planned for other parishes.