UNESCO gives US$43,000 towards National Cultural Policy development

Over US$43,000 has been made available to the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines by UNESCO to assist in the development of the National Cultural Policy.{{more}}

The launch of the project took place on Tuesday at the National Insurance Services Training Room.

Senator Elvis Charles, giving remarks at the ceremony, stated that the policy, established over 10 years ago, must be brought up to date.

“We realize that this policy must be brought up to date and will assist in laying a strong foundation in the development of culture in our country,” Charles said, adding that the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines is happy to be assisted by UNESCO in moving St Vincent and the Grenadines forward.

Charles stated that a national policy is a foundation for any development work. He added that work must also be done to strengthen the institutions that provide a cultural voice.

Representative of UNESCO in the Ministry of Education Janine Henry stated that St Vincent and the Grenadines was one of four countries selected by UNESCO under the International Fund for Cultural Diversity. Barbados, Uruguay and Brazil were the other countries who were given assistance.

Henry stated that reform of the cultural policy will help to improve the sustainability and viability of cultural activity. She added that the reform of the policy is expected to support more substantial business initiatives and will facilitate the creation of new cultural associations.

According to Cultural Officer in the Ministry of Culture Anthony Theobalds, the project will have two parts. The first part will focus on the development of the National Cultural Policy and the second part will focus on assisting umbrella organizations.

Theobalds stated that the project should be completed around March 2013. He stated that consultations with several organizations concerning the development of the policy may begin after July.