St. George’s, March 2, 2010 (GIS) – Tourism Minister Hon. Glynis Roberts has suggested that the cultivation and sale of orchids on a commercial level could become another revenue stream for Grenada.
The Minister’s suggestion was include in remarks delivered at last weekend’s Biennial Orchid Show organised by the Orchid Circle of Grenada.
Hon. Roberts noted that orchids have become a major market attraction throughout the world, with hundreds of dollars spent on purchasing new hybrids or improved ones.
She said as Grenada attempts to diverse its economy, the country could explore capitalising on developing the local market for Grenada-grown orchids.
The Minister is confident that with additional support, including financing and marketing, the Orchid Circle of Grenada will be able to attract a wider audience to its flower show.
Minister Roberts proposed collaboration with the Grenada Board of Tourism, where the show is marketed by the GBT as one of the events on its annual calendar of activities.
She also commended members of the Orchid Circle of Grenada for their dedication and hard work in organising last weekend’s “Orchid Extravaganza.’’
Dedication and passion, she said, are two indispensible qualities in achieving success.
“If we are to succeed in anything – whether personal, professional or vocational – we must apply dedication and passion,’’ said the Minister and parliamentary representative for St. George South.
Here is the text of the remarks delivered by Hon. Roberts, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
Salutations!
Ladies and gentlemen, I want to commend all the members of the Orchid Circle of Grenada for their dedication and hardwork in putting on this Biennial Orchid Show. Dedication and passion are two qualities that are indispensible in the conduct of any task or discipline; if we are to succeed in anything – whether personal, professional or vocational – we must apply dedication and passion.
The theme of this event is “Orchid Extravaganza.’’ And it’s an opportunity for us to proudly display another side of the beauty of Grenada. It’s a chance for orchid growers, horticulturalists and flower arrangers to exhibit their creativity in the care of one of earth’s most beautiful flowers.
Orchids are one of the world’s oldest species. Studies indicate that orchids have an ancient origin and may have arisen at least 76 million years ago and would have co-existed with dinosaurs. They are the largest family of flowering plants, with more than 20,000 species – many more times the number of mammal or bird species.
Orchid shows, like this one, are held worldwide by various groups of floral lovers. One of the groups in Britain, for example, is the Royal Horticultural Society, which was founded in 1804. The Society, whose mandate is to promote gardening and horticulture in Britain and Europe, puts on a series of flower shows that are open to the public. The most famous is the annual Chelsea Flower. It’s a testament to the high standard of our flower growers that Grenada has been a frequent winner at the annual Chelsea Flower. For this, I think you should all give yourselves a very, very big round of applause!
Orchids are easily distinguishable; they are distinct for their leaves, many of them considered ornamental.
Orchids have become a major market attraction throughout the world. Hundreds of dollars are spent on purchasing new hybrids or improved ones. As Grenada attempts to diverse its economy, I suggest that we explore how we can capitalise on developing the local market for Grenada-grown orchids. I believe our orchids are second to none. With additional support, including financing and marketing, I am confident that the Orchid Circle of Grenada will be able to attract a wider audience to its Biennial Orchid Show. Perhaps some collaboration could be done with the Grenada Board of Tourism, where the show is marketed by the Tourism Board as one of the events on its calendar of activities. This way, the show will be able to attract a wider audience of not only Grenadians, but also orchid lovers from the rest of the Caribbean and other parts of the world.
In closing, I want to again commend the Orchid Circle of Grenada for a job well done. I wish you all the best in hosting this “Orchid Extravaganza.’’ Thank you and God bless you.
