Christmas Shoppers in for Treat at Kumba Mi Yabba

Christmas shoppers and lovers of authentic Jamaican products, will be in for a treat at this year’s Kumba Mi Yabba Christmas Village, the Jamaican craft producers’ marketplace, set for Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, from December 19 to 21.
The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) led event, provides a platform for local producers and manufacturers of innovative and indigenous products and services, to showcase their merchandise. Additionally, the show provides the medium for entrepreneurs to access a wider market, both locally and overseas.
Speaking at the launch of the event on December 3, at the Corporation’s head office on Camp Road, Technical Services Manager, Collin Porter, pointed out that a major change for this year, is the shift in venue from Devon House to the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, in order to accommodate the increasing number of producers and patrons who support the event annually.
“We have outgrown the space at Devon House. We used to accommodate a little over 100 participants over the years, but we have recognised that the demand has exceeded what we were able to provide at Devon House,” Mr. Porter explained, adding that the new venue is expected to hold up to 200 producers.
Kumba Mi Yabba 2008, will showcase a wide range of authentic Jamaican products, including ceramic items, paintings, carvings, household accessories, aromatherapy items, clothing, accessories and local cuisines.
In addition to the marketing component of the fair, Mr. Porter explained that the event would include an all-encompassing entertainment package for every member of the family, ranging from a fashion extravaganza, culture showcase, jazz on the lawns, and carol service, to performances from top Rising Stars and local artistes.
Other attractions include: a kiddies village with face painting, clowns, rides, and giveaways.
The Technical Services Manager pointed out that another major highlight of Kumba Mi Yabba 2008 is the Toy and Tin Drive, which will run in conjunction with the event, with all proceeds benefitting Project Smiles, the arm of the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life, that caters to children affected and infected by HIV/AIDS.
“We want to encourage persons who are coming to Kumba Mi Yabba, to bring some kind of canned food or goods, a little toy or some other item that can be of use to some children that are less fortunate.we will have boxes at the venue for you to deposit these items,” Mr. Porter informed.
Some 10,000 persons are expected at Kumba Mi Yabba 2008. The event will be staged from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. over the three days and there is no admission cost.
The event is sponsored by the Development Bank of Jamaica, the Private Sector Development Programme-funded Authentic Gift & Craft, Jamaica Fashion & Apparel, Small Ruminants, Jamaica Wellness Clusters, Chubby, Supreme Ventures, National Export-Import Bank, Things Jamaican, Fame FM, RJR 94 FM, Churches Co-operative Credit Union and CVM Television.