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America. Awards were also presented
in six other categories. The Young
Exporter of the Year was awarded to a
company, whose principal shareholder
is no older than 35 years, and was
copped by Trinidad and Tobago sleep
systems manufacturer Advanced Foam
Limited.
The Green Exporter of the Year Award,
which recognises an exporter that
has invested in green technologies
and integrated alternative energy
solution into its operation leading to
export success, went to Nand Persaud
and Company Limited, a rice milling
complex in Guyana whose products
are on grocery shelves worldwide.
From producing one ton of rice per
hour in 1992, the company now has
the capability of producing up to six
tons of parboiled rice and eight tons
of white rice per hour. The company
recycles all of its rice shell to power all
its machines, including paddy dryers,
and is looking to expand production
capacity by 10% annually.
Gopex International of Suriname
emerged the victor from a field of
ten
nominees for the Emerging Exporter
of the Year award which recognises a
new export business that has entered
the export market over the last three
years, and which is experiencing
significant success. The Caribbean
Export Choice Award was bestowed
to the exporter who exemplifies drive
and determination to export products
and services globally, was claimed by
SMAKS Luxury Group of Trinidad and
Tobago, producers of the world’s first tea-infused Chai Rum. The Special Award
for Excellence in Service Export, which recognises an outstanding Caribbean firm
whose primary area of business is the provision of services with global reach, was
won by GeoTech Vision from Jamaica. Denese Palmer of Southside Distributors
of Jamaica was adjudged the Female Exporter of the Year.
In 2016, the CEYA was held in Barbados as a part of the Agency’s 20th Anniversary
celebrations. Barbados-based theWest India Biscuit Company Limited (WIBISCO),
copped the Caribbean Exporter of the Year Award. With a long history of
producing quality baked biscuits and dedication to the consumers who enjoy
their products, WIBISCO has grown into one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic
and successful companies.
The Female Exporter of the Year Award was awarded to Haitian Yve-Car
Momperousse, owner of Kreyol Essence; a manufacturer of organic natural
hair, skin and aromatherapy products including exotic oils, pomades, soufflés
and therapeutic candles. Perishables Jamaica Ltd. was honoured as the Green
Exporter of the Year for their efficient use of green technologies in the production
of herbal teas that use authentic Jamaican raw materials. From their 20-acre
farm, Perishables Jamaica Ltd. operate on a 15Kw Photovoltaic system, which has
reduced their electricity cost by 70% since installation.
The Emerging Exporter of the Year accolade was awarded to SMAKS Luxury
Group of Trinidad and Tobago. The five year-old business produces a range of
Caribbean-flavoured teas, and is the developer of Chai Rum, the world’s first tea-
infused rum, is nowexported to seven countries across Europe. The Special Award
for Excellence in Service Export was presented to Nand Persaud International
Communications Inc. from Guyana. The organisation employs over 500 people,
and has experienced an impressive 31% increase in export growth in the
provision of a range of customer support services to their international clientele.
The Agency’s Choice Award winner was 10 Saints Brewery Ltd. The Barbadian
micro-brewery that has leveraged several opportunities from Caribbean Export
exemplifying the great drive and determination required to successfully export
products and services globally.
In addition to these initiatives, Caribbean Export continually renews its emphasis
on fostering environments for the successful advancement of trade and
investment within the Caribbean region. A larger part of the Agency’s mandate is
to offer market-penetrating opportunities for firms through a series of branded
platforms for priority industries. Under the 10th EDF RPSDP, Caribbean Export
launched these platforms, as well as facilitated the participation of
ENHANCING COMPETITIVENESS
AND PROMOTING INNOVATION