The Belize Producers Convention and Expo will be opened to the public at 9:00 tomorrow morning at the Princess Hotel and Casino. We stopped by this afternoon for a preview. Organizer Marla Sanchez told us why the event is more than just a show.
Marla Sanchez, Organizer
"We have a number of products, a number of services, and lots and lots of giveaways for adults, for children, for everyone to come and enjoy. This is the ideal where you can come and see the creativity of the entrepreneurs and see what they have to offer."
Charles Belgrave,
"I am here bringing down a lot of local wine and local fruits, all the fruits made in Doublehead Cabbage. I try to make wine with all the fruits."
Jules Vasquez,
What sort of reception do you receive at these events?
Charles Belgrave,
"A great reception. I normally sell out and I am shocked to see the way Belizean people and the amount of sales that I make."
Sheldon Arnold,
"This is our second or third time here at the BEL PRO and every time we come people come and say they didn't know there was this stuff being made in Belize but its definitely been an eye opener and I encourage people to come out, to take a look at the stuff and see what Belize has to offer. It is all made here and handmade by our own Belize. This is our bamboo canopy bed, its exact name is the 'paramount bed.' It is made from local bamboo and you notice that it is very intricate, handmade I might add, and the guys actually take the time to actually weave each and every piece of this particular rattan stuff and the bamboo here as well. We are trying to take it up a notch and introducing our new bamboo line to you guys."
Marla Sanchez,
"Belize imports a lot of products and services from abroad. When we do this show, it promotes more of the products that we have. The Belizean products and services that are provided here are even better than those that they can get internationally."
The event was officially launched earlier this evening. There are 76 booths, and it will be opened to the public on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.