Source: Embassy of Barbados in the Republic of PanamaDirector of the Ministry of Culture, Mr. Enrique Noel, in his opening remarks promised that “This will be the beginning of a long and productive relationship between the Ministry and Embassy.” He further noted that Panama’s heritage is linked to Caribbean nations such as Barbados and Trinidad and that this workshop is a reconnection of that cultural link.Ms. Michelle Carter, First Secretary of the Embassy of Barbados echoed this sentiment stating, “Barbados is honored to collaborate with the Ministry of Culture on this cultural initiative. We believe that creative expressions like crochet can help build bridges and promote a deeper appreciation of our diverse traditions.”Mrs. Toppin, founder of Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to continue the legacy of her grandmother across the Caribbean and Latin America. “Elaine’s is focused on empowering women with the tools, skills and resources to make their businesses more financially sustainable.”The Embassy of Barbados in Panama City and the Ministry of Culture, Panama collaborated to host an informative and culturally enriching crochet workshop on Monday, August 21, 2023, for female artisans, crochet enthusiasts, and those interested in exploring the world of handicrafts. The workshop, attended by more than 25 women, was facilitated by Mrs. Nikisha Toppin of Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet, a social enterprise established in Barbados.The workshop was open to participants of all ages and skill levels. In the feedback received from participants, Christina Diaz noted that the creation of the mood boards and the type of yarn used were workshop highlights. The presentation on determining a price for the product was also a key learning point for many attendees.Author: Government of BarbadosParticipants were given the opportunity to learn about selecting a product for their company, determining a price for their product, as well as promotional tactics and the different locations to display their product. The workshop allowed for cross-cultural learning to take place with hands-on-experience being offered through the provision of yarn and crochet hooks.The Embassy of Barbados extended its heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Panamá for their invaluable partnership and looks forward to future collaborations that will further strengthen the bonds of friendship between the nations.Official Photo of the Crochet Workshop hosted by the Embassy of Barbados in the Republic of Panama and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Panama. (Credit: Embassy of Barbados in the Republic of Panama)
