Local vendors have been expressing mixed feelings about their sale at this year’s Creole in the Streets (CITP).
On the last day of CITP, Dominicanewsonline (DNO) interviewed some of the vendors who displayed and showcased their local products.
One of them is founder of Huile Dominique, Kamisha Dominique who sold a collection of natural oils including Caster Oil, Moringa Oil and virgin coconut oil.
Dominique said the business is new and provides genuine products which she hopes could lead to a healthier lifestyle for herself and citizens but she said most of her sales came from foreigners.
“I haven’t felt the “boom” as yet but there’s the interest. On the first day was the best for me in sales and the second day I sold some and I have already sold for today- the third day. The sales are coming in but…mainly from the foreigners,” she said.
Dominique believes education and awareness of the benefits of natural products will bring more support to local production.
Our newsroom also spoke to one of the founders of Waitukubuli Writers, Kristine Simelda, who claimed that sales have been very slow this year as she has sold more books in previous years during the creole season.
“The idea of the organization is that we will be able to encourage those writers that are coming along because there is a serious lack of local literature in Dominica…which is a way to lose culture really quickly,” Simelda explained.
The Director of The Waitukubuli Artist Association (WAA), Marzaux LaRocque, also confirmed that the first two days have been slow for her as well.
“A lot of people don’t bring money for art; that’s why we are trying to give some affordable pieces,” she told DNO
Her booth had on display various paintings; craft and clothing form 10 featured artists.
Their goal is teaching young persons who want to paint and have an interest in various mediums in art.
Meantime owner of Shalom World of Craft, Miranda Joseph, said that sales haven’t been so bad but could be improved.
She had on display various creole and local clothing, jewelry and craft.
Joseph said her business was established 25 years ago. She sells local, regional and international products.
“I sell for the World Creole music festival; these are two of the events that I go to – I have been part from the conception which is Creole in the Park and WCMF – is now 18 years since I have been working with them,” she added.
Director of the Garraway Hotel, Patricia Inglis, congratulated FLOW for reminding Dominica of its culture and heritage.
“I would like to give thumbs up to flow for reintroducing the creole in the park; it’s an extremely great initiative since it gives an opportunity for people of all ages to socialize and relax with an excellent venue. “
She encourages citizens to keep the area clean since it provides a better image, especially as many visitors are expected his season.
What happen,the one-man rogue regime did’nt give the people a stipend for the season , this is probably why the locals don’t have any money to buy