French Ambassador Francis Hurtut (right), chats with Jamaica Trade and Invest (Jampro's) Jason Hall (left) and marketing consultant Stephanie-Celine Fournier, at the launch of 'Touch of France 2007',in Kingston on Thursday. - Photos byRudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

The French and everything Francophone will invadethe Hilton Kingston hotel from April 28 to 30 for the seventh edition of 'A Touch Of France'.

The expo/showcase, which is jointly organised by the Alliance Francaise of Jamaica and the French embassy, in Jamaica, will once again showcase goods and services from both local and French entities looking to establish more commercial ties. The event was launched at the French embassy, on Hillcrest Avenue, yesterday.

Involving youths

There are a few new things for guests to enjoy this year, and two of them involve youths. There will be the launch of the schools' cyber twinning programme, which will allow schools in both Martinique and Guadeloupe to interact with their Jamaican counterparts over the Internet via webcam. Also the Young Film Makers Competition will be introduced, which will allow Jamaican youths, using video cameras, digital cameras with video capability or even their cellphones, to produce a piece of work depicting the issues they face in society. Students who come out on Schools' Day (April 30) can compete in various competitions including in the literary arts, as well as music and dance.

Pierre Lemaire, president of Alliance Francaise of Jamaica, revealed that a musical group from Reunion Island (near Madagascar) off the coast of Africa, will be attending the showcase for the first time, as in previous years, the invited cultural groups tended to come from the Caribbean. The group, VerZonRoots, will perform, on Monday, at the Hilton, as well as in Montego Bay the following Sunday.

The cultural and entertainment aspect of 'A Touch Of France' includes Saint International models, who will show creations from designers Cathia Coppry, and Didier St. Marc, on Sunday night, in a show called 'La Hot Couture'.

Damian Laballe, exclusive designer of the Kleasion craft company in Guadeloupe, will unveil that company's latest line, also on Sunday.

Highlights of the opening night (April 28), will include performances from the Ya'Nou Dance Group from Martinique. And of course,French food and drink will be there to enjoy. C'est magnifique!

President of Alliance Francaise of Jamaica, Pierre Lemaire, goes over some notes with Michelle Serieux, of the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication.

French Ambassador Francis Hurtut (left) makes a point to (from left) craft designer, Damian Laballe, Jamaica Trade and Invest'szzz (Jampro's) Jason Hall, and marketing consultant, Stephanie-Celine Fournier.