Cultural Policy in the making

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Parent Category: Dec 2011

Category: Week ending Dec 17th, 2011

Published on Monday, 19 December 2011 17:04

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Cultural activities in the country could soon be guided by a Cultural Policy. That is according to the Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism and Culture with responsibility for Culture, Senator Arley Gill.

Sen. Gill who reporting on the stewardship of the Ministry of Culture over the past three years during the weekly radio programme, “NDC Heartbeat,” said the three year Government of Tillman Thomas is in the process of developing a final document for the Cultural Policy.

He disclosed that through the UNESCO Convention on Cultural Diversity Grenada has been able to draw down over EC $100,000.00 for the purpose of the Cultural Policy.

At present consultations are taking place for the policy.

Sen. Gill has thrown out an invitation to make a contribution when the consultation comes to their area.

However, he warned against making it a political issue.

“Let us keep culture out of the politics. Let us ensure that we practice our culture regardless of whatever political colour you belong to,” he said.

The Junior Culture Minister said his ministry is looking at putting more emphasis on folk culture on the island.

With regards to the issue of the National Dress, he said it is expected that by the independence celebrations next year there should be a more clearly defined national outfit.

Sen. Gill admonished his fellow countrymen to show recognition for local artistes.

“I believe that as a people we need to show more gratitude and I think that culture has lead the way by demonstrating that we are a people who are grateful to those who have contributed so much to our civilization,” he said.

Just at the start of the Carnival Season, eight cultural icons in different categories were added to the list of Cultural Ambassadors for Grenada.

Sen. Gill indicated that the Cultural Ambassadors Programme has addressed the issue of showing recognition.

The Junior Culture Minister also made some passing comments on the Economic Assessment of Carnival that was conducted by a Barbadian group during this year’s carnival celebration.

The report on the study has not yet been made available to government, but Sen. Gill said he has been advised that the findings would soon be handed in.

“That assessment would give us an indication as to how much money carnival brings into our economy,” he said.

He described Grenada’s carnival which he believes is one of the best kept secrets in the Caribbean as being a cultural expose.

However, he said in recent times a lot has been done in marketing.

Sen. Gill made mention of the Spicemas Corporation that is charged with the responsibility of delivering carnival.

However, he warned that he does not expect the Corporation that comprises full-time members to ensure that there is a better product will, in one year, solve all the problems that burden the carnival.

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