Christian Trade Association International (CTAI) hosted its first trade show for Christian retailers in the Caribbean May 1-4. Two separate events were held to support the development of the Christian trade in the Caribbean region-one in Miami and one in Trinidad, one of the largest Christian markets in the Caribbean.

“It was like a dream come true when Marketsquare Caribbean came to Trinidad,” said Marlene Ramroop of CLC Trinidad. “I know that people are already excited for the next gathering.”

Attendance at the two events was “encouraging,” CTAI said in a statement. In Miami, 21 individuals registered, representing 15 stores. In Trinidad, 65 individuals registered, representing 43 stores. Jim Cook of LifeWay International said one of the biggest benefits of the event was “being able to sit down with many customers and talk face-to-face about our products and services. We're ready to do it again.”

Each trade show featured an opening evening dinner with four hours of training the following morning and six exposition hours in the afternoon. Jack Scott, CTAI's director of training and member development, led the bookseller workshops.

“I was encouraged by the fighting spirit and the successes of other booksellers in the region,” said Dacia Brown-Davis of New Path Associates Ltd. in Jamaica.

Assessing the impact of Marketsquare Caribbean, CTAI President Jim Powell said: “To dynamically serve the Christian trade in this part of the world and to provide a healthy show for partner suppliers is the kind of combination that helps support our mission. I am definitely planning to add this event to our regular calendar.”

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