PM: Orchids, avenue for tourism

He was speaking with Sunday Newsday yesterday following a visit to Trinidad and Tobago Orchid Society (TTOS) orchid show at the Country Club, Long Circular Road, Maraval.

Rowley, who was accompanied by his wife Mrs Sharon Rowley, highly praised the quality of flowers on display.

“It was very, very worthwhile - come out in the morning and look at the garden of Eden.

We have such lovely natural assets here. And some of it is on display here. And our orchids, we have some unique ones, and our hybrids,” he said.

He continued: “It is an area which has tremendous potential but the hobbyists can be converted into things that can help us to market our country. Because we do have scientific things of interest here which if sufficiently exposed to those people who are interested in that we can attract to Trinidad and Tobago the scientific community who will come as tourists to see our scientific gems both in our biology and physical.” Rowley said during his tour he saw lots of interesting orchids and lots of varieties.

“Every time you come you see something new because the enthusiasts are always trying to breed and they surprise you from time to time and orchid flowers are always surprises. So very nice,” he said.

Show chairman Antonio de Gannes said that Rowley had been to a couple of their shows before including one held in South Trinidad early this year.

“He seems to be an avid supporter and enthusiastic supporter of orchids and he does have orchids in his garden,” he added.

He explained that they have two shows every year and they previously had a show in May. This year they are celebrating their Diamond Jubilee (60th anniversary).

De Gannes said the main objective of the show was to acknowledge and pay homage to the previous members of society “that brought the society to this point”.

He explained that this year they are trying to educate new young members to ensure the survival and success of the society in future years. He pointed out that most of the orchids on display are imported “but we are encouraging people to grow”.

“We also have a mandate for conservation which encourages the propagation of local orchids which are also quite beautiful. Because some of the local orchids which we have are endangered. And some of them are so beautiful they have international appeal and demand. So there is a possibility to develop that area,” he said.

He said that auxiliary societies are invited to every show every year including the Field Naturalists Club, celebrating 129 years, the Bonzai Society and he paid a special acknowledgement to Horticultural Services of the Ministry of Agriculture and they received an award for their support over the years and supplying all the support foliage and also do a display.

For the first time at this venue they also had non-orchid vendors and other vendors that support the growing of orchids like pots.

De Gannes said that growing orchids is a wonderful hobby and is quite relaxing and provides stress relief.

“Plants don’t talk back, They only talk back with flowers,” he added.