By Avia Ustanny, Gleaner WriterMEMBERS OF the Jamaica Furniture and Wood Association (JAFWA) have expressed the wish that those who make the major decisions in furniture buying should buy local products instead of buying furnishings made abroad.
They state that the local sector is much neglected by Jamaican buyers, who appear to prefer imported
furnishings.
These views were aired at the current JAFWA trade show which is being held between Friday and today at Campion College in Kingston. Members have gathered to show their manufacturing muscle and design capabilities to local buyers in the business, home furnishing and tourism sectors.
In the hotel sector alone, said JAFWA director Ainsley Henriques, there is approximately a US$300 million market waiting to be tapped. He said that JAFWA members were in the process of forming consortia to meet this need, should the hotels decide to shop locally.
Peter James, trade show participant and customer relations manager of Boss Jamaica Company which is licensed to manufacturer the world renowned Simmonds' bedding line and also makes its own, said, "More locals need to support Jamaican manufacturers. Too many of them feel that foreign is better. It just depends on the manufacturing."
LOCAL CONTRACTS
Not everyone at the trade fair, however, was focused on getting more local contracts. John Hamilton managing director of the Original Bamboo Factory in Caymanas, said that his company is looking at expanding its overseas market for their high-end products. Currently exporting to the United Kingdom, and the United States, Original Bamboo is in search of additional investment to accomplish this goal.
Twelve designers and manufacturers who produce both for local consumption and export filled the Lindo Auditorium at Campion College. The fair which JAFWA dubbed "Our High Point" had designs in bamboo, metal, wood, wood and corian, wood and metal, upholstery, and more.
"The furniture trade fair is exposing the new styles, designs, finishes and techniques that the Jamaican furniture industry has to offer," said Mr. Henriques.
JAFWA vice president, Rosalee Hamilton, promised that next year's trade show should include manufacturers from the wider Caribbean. JAFWA, she said, will also be bringing in technical assistance to increase the number of unique designs available. "This is what we believe will take the industry forward," she said.
On Friday and Saturday, the exhibition was opened exclusively to buyers from the hotel and tourism sectors, interior designers and decorators, architects, furniture retailers, corporate and government offices and agencies and other business interests.
Students from the University of Technology (UTECH), the Edna Manley School of the Visual and Performing Arts and technical colleges are also invited to the first two days of the show. The trade fair will be open to the public today. The exhibition opens at 10:00 a.m. and the curtain will close at 6:00 p.m.
