BPWCCUL Members’ Market returns after six-year break

The Barbados Public Workers’ Cooperative Credit Union Ltd. (BPWCCUL) revived its Members’ Market and Fun Day on Saturday after a six-year hiatus, staging the event in the bustling Warrens area as part of its 55th anniversary celebrations.

With complimentary Frosteez ice cream and snow cones to beat the heat and a designated kid zone, the event catered to the entire family. It attracted more than 30 vendors, offering a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, plants, and locally made alcoholic beverages.

Among the exhibitors was Anuket Beauty, owned by Sharleen Mann, which showcased its line of body butters, bath salts, and sugar scrubs designed to maintain and enhance healthy, radiant skin. Mann said she was excited for the opportunity to share her products with a wider audience.

Marketing Officer of the BPWCCUL Khadijah Millar told Barbados TODAY, “The Members’ Market used to be a staple event that the credit union used to stage years ago, and the last time that we had the event was in 2017. We felt it important because we are celebrating 55 years to bring back the Members Market as a community part of our anniversary celebration.”

She explained, “The whole concept behind the Members’ Market was to give a space for our vendors to showcase their products, to get their products out there, to give them a platform to be able to sell their products, whether it is their main source of income or whether it is just a side hustle.”

A Members’ Appreciation Day was held in May, and festivities will continue throughout the year.

Millar said, “There is a Mix and Mingle planned for October, but more information will be shared on that closer to the event.” She also hinted at the possibility of hosting another edition of the Members’ Market before the year’s end.

Soca artiste Quon made an appearance.

The marketing officer noted that the event extended beyond commerce. For example, some of the funds raised will go towards their charitable arm, the Legacy Foundation.

Corporate partners Western Wholesale, Farmers Choice, and Digicel supported the initiative by providing product samples and promotional giveaways.

Entertainment kept the atmosphere upbeat, with performances by employee and soca artiste Quon. Other performers included Mole, Bruce LeeAlmightee, Biggie Irie, Tae, and People’s Monarch winner Shaquille. (STT)