Senior Reporter
jesse.ramdeo@cnc3.co.tt
A combination of crafts and culture was on display outside the Piarco International Airport yesterday following the launch of a partnership between Export Centres Company Limited (ECCL) and the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (AATT). Visitors to the country were treated to a unique blend of sights, sounds, and tastes from several artists and artisans, with many pausing to take pictures, samples, or purchase art, clothing, or jewellery all crafted locally.
Chief Executive Officer of ECCL, Adwin Cox, told Guardian Media that items from over 60 artisans were on display and the initiative was key in promoting the country’s crafts sector.
“This collaboration allows us to bring our craftspeople to one of the major ports of entry, which is a key area throughout the craft world where artisans are able to promote their products and have their products brought to the fore. So we were able to have this scenario today to allow for that to happen.”
Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago’s General Manager Hayden Newton explained that the initiative deliberately coincided with the country’s Republic Day anniversary. Republic Day is observed on September 24.
“This is a memorable event not only for the airport community but also for the people who pass through the airport. We have a number of flights coming in, and we thought we would link it to that. We thought this was important, and we’re going to do more exercises like this in the future.”
Vendors told Guardian Media they were happy for the opportunity to showcase their products at the airport and engage with tourists. The display will run until tomorrow.