PM pushed fashion sector

Trade Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon says Prime Minister Keith Rowley and herself have shown “proactive leadership” in helping the local fashion sector by their participation in last weekend’s showcase event, FAME, at NAPA, Port-of-Spain.

Rowley had faced some public criticism for modelling outfits with his wife Sharon Rowley, while the country faced problems such as the economy and crime. The Rowleys wore outfits from the Savile Row Academy established by TT-born master tailor Andrew Ramroop, while Gopee-Scoon herself modelled a dress by designer Heather Jones.

Gopee-Scoon did not directly address Rowley’s catwalk strut, but just referred to participation at the event, which he also addressed. She said the Government remains committed to developing local talents and stimulating the local fashion industry in line with Vision 2030. “This proactive leadership was demonstrated over the weekend with the support of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and the Minister of Trade and Industry, Paula Gopee-Scoon, who participated in the local fashion showcase FAME.”

FAME is a foundation focused on fashion apparel, manufacture, export and entrepreneurship, and its event featured both local designers and musicians.

Another initiative is FashionTT’s Fashion Value Chain Investment Programme (FVCIP) designers for export by improving the value chain elements, while a garment production facility will be set up in collaboration with the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT).