Plans for Agrofest at Queen’s Park are underway and James Paul, CEO of the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) has assured despite the challenges in terms of the construction being carried out at the location, this should not significantly alter the experience of those attending the event.
Paul was speaking at the Agrofest 2017 Sponsors and Major Exhibitors meeting yesterday in the Spartan Pavilion in Queens Park. He warned the exhibitors, “We have some challenges this year but what we are going to do this year we are trying to keep the same template that we had in previous years, you should not see a lot of difference except they are areas we want to build on …”
He continued, “We are hoping this year to get more animal exhibits this year than last year, in that regard what we want to do is to make minimum adjustments that should not impact the overall layout.”
“Carifesta will be held July this year and we have been impacted because of the construction in the park that has reduced some of the space we have but we have come up with an alternative plan to compensate for that, it should not significantly alter the experience …”
The theme of Agrofest 2017 is ‘Agriculture – 50 years and beyond’ and will take place February 24, 25&26. Paul also thanked sponsors and exhibitors that have been integral in making Agrofest what it is over the years. He highlighted it is a mature event and the team attempts to keep it fresh.
The CEO added, “We are busy trying to ensure that the same level of participation on the part of schools that we normally get will continue, we recognize the challenges faced by the Transport Board , we have been busy making alternatives and we expect those should work …”
Friday is not closed for only schools, we welcome the general public, on Friday evening we have entertainment for adults such as karaoke, etc. . . .”
Theodore Fraser, Coordinator of Agrofest stressed that this year will be challenging due to construction etc. and he outlined that it is important that all exhibitors follow the guidelines throughout the course of the event.
He reminded the public Agrofest will be a smoke -free exhibition, as a result no sales or smoking of cigarettes or any other substance will be allowed in the park. (NB)