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IPP's international bazaar a cultural melting pot

Published:Sunday | November 24, 2013 | 12:00 AM
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Wife of the Nigerian high commissioner, Gbemisola Kamson, showing off some of the wares in her booth - photos by Colin Hamilton/Photographer
Daymonde Marks had his hands full with sons Davion (left) and Dylan (right). Mom Diana completed the family portrait.
Roland Hyacinthe making his grand entrance with his six-foot sandwich at the International Proxy Parents' Annual International Bazaar.
South Africans Pierre DeVilliers and Talita DeVilliers grilling sausages.
Aiko Hayashi smiling for the camera.-photos by Colin Hamilton/Photographer
Kelly Greenaway (left) getting her face painted by LEma Messeru at the International Proxy Parent's Annual International Bazaar.
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Jody-Anne Lawrence, Gleaner Writer

The International Proxy Parents (IPP) held their annual International Bazaar in the gardens of The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Saturday, November 16 and the well-supported event did not disappoint.

The event is held to assist the IPP's community projects and education committees. The community project committee assists children's homes across the island, while the education committee provides scholarships. The bazaar was held in keeping with its tradition, as this was how the group started in 1980. Six women of different nationalities came together and held a fundraiser at the Best Care Children's Home in aid of physically and mentally disabled children.

This year, 13 countries participated in the charitable event. These were: the Dominican Republic, the United States of America, South Africa, Brazil, Germany, Russia, Argentina, Nigeria, Chile, Japan, China, Mexico, and Jamaica. Each country showcased their art and food. It was like travelling to countries without borders - you could just step over into another world you never knew.

There were a few booths that were not aligned to any particular culture such as the Nana booth, which is an IPP booth that was started two years ago by Yoko Yamaguchi, wife of the Japanese ambassador. They recreated little masterpieces from donated trinkets such as beads and broken jewellery. There was also an artistic booth which showcased brilliant photography and jewellery.

There were children getting their face painted, while little boys were playing with makeshift samurai swords that they purchased from the Japanese booth. It was the family spot for both children and adults. Adults could also enjoy the stalls as many had beautiful art work, figurines, jewellery and some new exotic food that might be new to the Jamaican palate but caused your mouth to water and taste buds to rejoice.

There was also live entertainment - from singing to dancing for people to enjoy when they were exhausted from walking in the sun and wanted to relax.

The annual charitable event was well supported and was the best place to be for quality family time and education where both parents and children could explore and learn together.