THE TAIWAN TECHNICAL MISSION ASSISTS WITH THE RENOVATION OF THE MORNE COUBARIL HISTORICAL PARK GIFT SHOP.

Artisans and agro-processors from two community organizations now have greater visibility and a market for their products, following recent efforts made by the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) with the Morne Coubaril Historical Park Gift Shop.

The collaboration, themed “Partnership for Prosperity,” saw the Taiwan Technical Mission supporting the renovation of the Soufriere-based gift shop in exchange for the gift shop’s commitment to provide a platform for artisans and agro-processors from Anse Kawet Crafters from Laborie and the Fond St. Jacques Development Committee to sell their products.

Funds for the renovation of the gift shop were provided by the Taiwan Technical Mission with the understanding that the gift shop offers community artisans the much-needed space to sell their products, which include fashion jewelry, handbags, key rings, fridge magnets, table napkins, and fruit popsicles.

This is one of the latest initiatives under the Community Business Revitalization Project (CBRP), which was launched in August 2023 by the Taiwan Technical Mission and the Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives, and Consumer Affairs. The project aims to strengthen product development and marketing of community businesses.

Among the milestones that have been achieved under the Community Business Revitalization Project thus far are:

• Establishing the Interpretation Centre in Fond St. Jacques, and the handcrafting studio at the Papèl Craft Centre in Laborie.
• Organizing the Dasheen Festival in Fond St. Jacques, and the Music Festival in Laborie.
• Publishing periodical Fond St. Jacques community newsletters.
• Supporting the young entrepreneurs through summer camps.
• Hosting stakeholder networking events to strengthen community tourism.

In her remarks at a press conference held at the Morne Coubaril Historical Park Gift Shop on Friday, September 12, 2025, H.E. Nicole Su, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, said the Community Business Revitalization Project intends to empower communities by building the capacity of their MSMEs, with the aim of increasing their income while utilizing the opportunities boosted by the community tourism boom. She also outlined the next steps aimed at bridging the gap between MSMEs and consumer market, including:

• Introducing the community to the concept of branding and story-telling;
• Furnishing target facilities where consumers, including tourists, could go;
• Developing the tourism products; and
• Organizing familiarization tours to bring together relevant stakeholders, hence forming the partnership to prosper together.

“This initiative is a significant milestone,” Ambassador Su said. “We are opening a new chapter that brings the creativity of our artisans directly to the eyes, the hands, and the mouths of visitors to the Park.”

Ambassador Su thanked Hon. Minister Emma Hippolyte and her team from the Ministry of Commerce for making the project successful, adding that the project seeks to inspire more partnerships and grow into a model for community products and sustainable partnerships.

“I don’t think I’m a shopaholic, but I must confess that whenever I visit any monument, the gift shop is always a must, and that’s where I spend a lot of time,” she explained. “At those gift shops, I think nowadays most tourists like me are no longer satisfied with mass-produced souvenirs. We are seeking something unique, authentic, and most importantly, local. It can be deli food items and keepsakes. It is through the taste and smell, or through their shape and sound, which spark our fond memories later on and remind us of the soul of Saint Lucia.”

Hon. Emma Hippolyte, Minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives, and Consumer Affairs, and Parliamentary Representative for Soufriere/Fond St. Jacques, thanked the Government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for supporting the project.

She said that while business growth typically involves breaking new territories or entering foreign market, it’s also important to capitalize on opportunities presented in the local market.

“But in order for us to have that market,” she advised, “we need a space where our visitors can visit. Based on what’s happening at this park, we know that hundreds of visitors visit the park during the season. It’s now up to the crafters to present the products that are appealing to the visitors.”

Hon. Hippolyte added: “Starting locally is not a limitation; it is an opportunity. It allows us to test our products, refine our services, and build a reputation where trust matters most. When your own community supports you, that endorsement becomes the strongest calling card you can carry into larger markets. It is proof that your product works, your services are delivered, and your brand resonates.”

Meanwhile, Ms. Eleanor Rae, General Manager of Soufriere Hotwire Rides Inc., said the gift shop represents not only a sales outlet, but also a platform where artisans’ skills, traditions, and stories get the chance to reach the world.

“We are deeply grateful to the Taiwan Technical Mission for believing in this vision and for supporting the expansion of the gift shop,” she said. “Your commitment shows us what can happen when international partnerships align with community ambition. Together, we can create opportunities that strengthen families and empower entire communities.”

Ms. Rae also commended Mr. Louis Tsou, Project Manager for the Community Business Revitalization Project at the Taiwan Technical Mission in Saint Lucia, for his unwavering dedication toward the project now offering visibility, income and pride for the artisans.

“His commitment is a true reflection of partnership in action, supporting both artisans and farmers, both craft and community. We understand how the depth and working together irrespective of whom we are or where we’re from. When one succeeds, we all succeed, and when we lift each other up, we prove that greater, bigger and better is always within reach.”