Just a while ago, the annual Belizean Producers Convention and Expo officially opened at the Princess Hotel. We all know about the big businesses which will be offering those "too good to believe" deals over the next two days at the show. But what about the small businesses? Well Keith Swift went looking in the corner stalls for some deals which are special in their own way.
Keith Swift Reporting, [keithkswift@gmail.com]
BELPRO CONEX will feature businesspersons like Anna Quiroz who made the trip from Burrell Boom with the best wines from her cellar.
Anna Quiroz, Wine Maker
"I started off as a hobby first but then I see where you can make business (money) from it so I kind of advanced more into it. There are already a lot of people buying my wines to take abroad and I know a lot of visitors will be here at the show tomorrow so I just brought it in to just let everybody see and sample."
If drinking is not your thing then there are these handmade crafts from a Dangriga women's group and hand woven furniture from Hummingbird Rattan in Belmopan.
Michelle Earvin, Women Development Officer - Dangriga
"Here we have dolls made in Dangriga by women there. We also drums which is a nontraditional product for women. Men used to make drums but yes we have women doing drums and she was actually taught by her dad. She took up the trade because none of her brothers did, she is doing it. We have that and then here we have some decorations for the kitchen and they are painted. All of these were done at classes held by the Women's Department. These are done for the economic upliftment of our women, that is a big concern for us so we want women to subsidize their incomes and support their families through arts like these."
Sheldon Arnold, Hummingbird Rattan
"We're with Hummingbird Rattan. As you see we have our latest addition to our collection. These are our bamboo stuff and we are also Belize's premier manufacturer of rattan and wood works. So you can get anything you need from us in wood or bamboo."
And when it is all over - you can end your visit to the show with a cup of tea at Reggie's teahouse.
Reginald Hamilton, Reggie's Teahouse
"I have a little space allotted arranged for people to have teas so they will be an opportunity for them to sit and have a glass of tea."
A glass of tea that should calm even those frayed nerves overheated by the commercial bombast of BELPRO CONEX.
The show runs through to Sunday. Entrance is free.
