Culture Minister gets high praise from Trinidad

Rene Baptiste, this country’s Minister of Culture, recently drew praise in Trinidad and Tobago for an imaginative lesson on the development of cultural tourism.{{more}}

According to the T&T Review, in a packed day of thought provoking and outstanding presentations at an event celebrating World Tourism Day, held at the Chaguaramas Convention Centre, Baptiste drew heartfelt praises and the only standing ovation of the day for her presentation on the theme: “Festivals, Brands, and Sustainable Tourism.”

Baptiste told the gathering on Tuesday, September 29th, 2009, that the theme of this year’s World Tourism Day -”Celebrating Diversity” – fitted neatly into the model that St.Vincent and the Grenadines is building, which relies heavily on its cultural heritage to take it into the future.

According to Baptiste, the people, St.Vincent and the Grenadines’ most valuable resources, originating from Africa, Asia, and Europe, had created a rich Caribbean culture.

During her presentation, Baptiste highlighted training conducted for young people in their various cultural endeavours, and the participation of some of the nation’s leading artistes in overseas tourism delegations in promoting St.Vincent and the Grenadines.

She explained that the education drive to get training for the young people involved in the process was fueled by Prime Minister Dr.Ralph Gonsalves who sought scholarships from “everyone he knew” in dance, music and visual arts.

She ended her presentation by explaining to the audience that the participation of these newly trained young people was guaranteed by another part of the plan – to create festivals, and to enhance existing ones.

She mentioned the annual Blues Festival, Basil’s Jazz Festival in Mustique, Union Island’s African Drum Festival, Vincy Mas, and the Nine Mornings Christmas celebrations.

She also mentioned the Gospel Festival which has grown tremendously. (HN)