In early January 2010 I met with representatives of the Jamaican Business Development Corp. and a purchaser for Things Jamaican at Cotta Craft  The samples of our hand-printed sewn articles were very enthusiastically received and praised for their quality.  An order was placed by Things Jamaican to be distributed among their three outlets: the two international airports, and Devon House.  Also, we are negotiating an order with Sandals’ boutiques.  They are interested in using specific colour combinations that can be mixed and matched as the customer desires.

More important the JBDC has undertaken to work with Cotta Craft for up to two years to develop and grow this cottag industry.  They were to bring a JBDC team of professionals to work with Cotta Craft artisans to maximize use of space and equipment, check production processes for quality, assess studio layout and motion studios to fine-tune costing and payment processes.

They recommend financial management record keeping and data analysis procedures and help with packaging and labeling.  JBDC wil help us develop out our own logo and “story”, fliers nd posters o that Cotta Crat will become a well-known sough-after brand.  One of the goals of the Jamaican Business Development Corporation is to develop and create sustainable employment throughout Jamaica so that people an live and work, raise and educate their children without leaving their homes and communities.  This certainly has been the objective of BPCA and Cotta Caft since its inception and it is more than gratifying to have this goal recognized and supported.

I know I speak for BPCA and CJMAS board members, supporting Bluefields businesses and community members, as well as Cotta Craft artisans, when I convey my heartiest thanks to JBDC for helping us to work towards sustainable modernization and growth, thus enabling Cotta Craft to supply their products to tourist outlets. www.yardage.net can still be accessed to read the Cotta Craft story to date and to see a few pictures of our products.

To finalize my report of activities: I conducted a demonstration workshop on soap making attended by eight community members  Latoya, a local woman who is already producing and selling her own medicinal soaps, was happy to receive additional supplies, equipment and oils, so that she an her tow sons can expand production to include bath soaps scented an coloured with Jamaican essential oils and spices.

Bluefields, a very lovely, special part of the world again made my husband and I feel very welcome and cared for.

Thank you.

- Carol Wong -