CarIPI Mentors Craft Producers in Saint Lucia and The Bahamas

In September and October 2026, CarIPI mentors travelled to Saint Lucia and The Bahamas to meet with craft producers of origin-linked products (OLPs), as part of the GI Mentorship Programme under activity 12 of the second annual work plan (AWP2). This activity provides technical assistance to producers so they can better understand which intellectual property tools are most appropriate to protect and add value to their products. Its initial focus is on preparing producer groups for potential Geographical Indication (GI) protection, including support with product specifications, codes of practice and the preparation and submission of national GI applications.

On 28–29 September, CarIPI worked with the Saint Lucia Intellectual Property Office on a mission to Choiseul, where mentors engaged with pottery producers and other stakeholders on the elements of a GI specification for “Choiseul Pottery”. On 1–2 October, together with the Bahamian Intellectual Property Office, the team met with drum producers and other stakeholders in the Junkanoo Drums community to discuss a GI specification for “The Bahamas Junkanoo Drum”. In both missions, discussions covered the product’s characteristics, production methods, geographical link and the other factors that make it distinctive, and included visits to local producers. Although the main focus was GI protection, the exchanges also explored other forms of IP protection that may serve the interests of the producers.