(Trinidad Guardian) Even political parties must find innovative ways to raise funds to sustain operations.
In the case of the Peoples National Movement, who are constructing a multi-storey Balisier House on the site of the existing premises, the challenge has been to come up with an idea to raise millions to bankroll the project.
That idea has come from one of their members who saw the work of Caribbean Jewellers and suggested that an exclusive collection of jewelry could be one of the fundraising tools.
Caribbean Jewellers, well known for creating commemorative pieces for the education sector’s graduation events, have come up with the Balisier Collection, a set of superbly crafted loyalty rings and other items intended to reflect “unwavering support for the PNM”.
The man behind this strategic partnership, Angad Sandhu, Manufacturing Director, Sat Naam Industries Ltd, the parent company of Caribbean Jewellers, said their diversification efforts over the years had generated the concept for this series.
“A party member saw the work we did and approached us. I did the best I could to fulfil their vision and with our distinctive competencies came up with an extensive line of loyalty rings.”
He confirmed that this original series would even complement the wearing of the now famous Balisier tie, “The Balisier Collection is an original line and ranges from tie tacks to necklaces to earrings. The design of other items is ongoing.”
Ever mindful of the challenging economic times Sandhu said businesses must continually reinvent themselves to give them the leading edge.
“The sky’s the limit in terms of design, but it’s all done with the Balisier House and the rich history of the PNM in mind.”
Indicating the items ranged from silver stoppers beginning at $40 to rings starting as low as $500 and going all the way up to $20,000, Sandhu said it would depend on a person’s choice.
Pressed to say what had influenced the designs, Sandhu explained, “The PNM is the first in the Caribbean and the western hemisphere to have the application of a unique technology applied to these types of designs. They are different from any traditional ring.”
Asked to reveal if the PNM had invested any funds in the venture and what percentage of each sale would go to the party, Sandhu declined to give details of the client relationship.
However, he indicated that all orders would be handled through Balisier House.
Sandhu urged, “When you think about investing in gold, it is the same emotion which is triggered when investing in the PNM. You know it will last and continue moving forward. The PNM has an exceptional legacy, and it is the same. You can trust and depend on the PNM much in the same way you can depend on and trust in the items you are buying.”
Assuring supporters’ the items are “very affordable,” Sandhu said, “Of course, there are the higher range items as well, but we have made it affordable for everyone who wants to support the PNM. They can wear the Loyalty Rings and Balisier Collection with pride.”
Sandhu concluded, “This is the only party that really has that rich history which can be truly captured and reflected in the pieces we have created.”
Caribbean Jewellers has signalled its intention to expand the line of the Balisier Collection and anticipates that the series would attract international attention.