Christmas Village Dec. 16 At 64-70 Knutsford Boulevard
By: , December 9, 2016The Key Point:
Photo: Donald De La Haye
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (left), inspecting craft items at the Craft Enhancement Project Recognition and Awards Ceremony on July 12, at the New Kingston Business Centre. Others (from second left) are Craft Coordinator at the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), Violet Crutchley; Director, Organisation of American States (OAS) Country Office, Jeanelle Van Glaanenweygel and Executive Director (TPDCo), Dennis Hickey. (FILE)The Facts
- Craft Specialist at TPDCo, Violet Crutchley, said the event will feature all things Jamaican with unique gift items, food, and entertainment by mento bands and youth groups performing folk songs.
- The event is part of continued efforts by TPDCo to grow the craft industry and provide opportunities for artisans to be involved in craft-enhancement and business-development training programmes.
The Full Story
The grounds of the Ministry of Tourism will be transformed into a mini artisan village to stage ‘Christmas Village on the Breezeway’, on Friday, December 16 at 64-70 Knutsford Boulevard in New Kingston.
The extravaganza, which is being hosted by the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), will showcase and present for sale handicrafts and other authentic Jamaican products made by 26 local artisans.
Craft Specialist at TPDCo, Violet Crutchley, said the event will feature all things Jamaican with unique gift items, food, and entertainment by mento bands and youth groups performing folk songs.
“It is a microcosm of a typical Jamaican village life and setting, and we are targeting visitors to our island, corporate directors, executives, the man on the street, (and) persons who are looking for authentic Jamaican gift items,” Mrs. Crutchley said.
“So, all are welcome,” she added, “as it is about creating an environment of Jamaican culture while celebrating the Christmas vibe.”
Elaborating on the importance of showcasing Jamaican tradition and culture, she informed that the event has been themed ‘Port Royal’, as there is a rich history relating to this heritage site with a lot of artefacts that people find interesting.
“People are fascinated with the whole Port Royal saga, and it has impacted our history,” the Craft Specialist pointed out.
She noted that the event is part of continued efforts by TPDCo to grow the craft industry and provide opportunities for artisans to be involved in craft-enhancement and business-development training programmes.
“Our new thrust is to create artisan villages islandwide, and this event is a premiere or precursor to the establishment of about five of these entities… so this mini (more)
Christmas Village…artisan village will create an opportunity for us to try some of the strategies and see what can work,” Mrs. Crutchley said.
“We want persons to be a part of this spectacular event. Get your authentic Jamaican gift items for Christmas, come eat and celebrate Jamaica,” she urged.
The event will last from 12 noon to 8:00 p.m.