Minister of Community Development and Culture, Steve Blackett

Barbados and Nigeria have been exploring ways in which to strengthen ties in the cultural sector.
This was one of the areas discussed recently when Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Barbados, Musa John Jen paid a courtesy call on Minister of Community Development and Culture, Steve Blackett at Government Headquarters, Bay Street, St. Michael.

Minister Blackett was accompanied by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Shirley Farnum and Deputy Permanent Secretary, Celia Toppin while the High Commissioner was joined by his Deputy, Chicozie Obi-Nnadozie.

High Commissioner John touched on the possibility of a cultural exchange between the two countries, stressing that it would be an important step as Barbadians and Nigerians “got to know each other.”  

Both parties also discussed cooperation in the film industry, with the High Commissioner revealing that several Nigerian actors and production companies were interested in visiting the island to meet with those involved in the local industry.

Minister Blackett said this could be an attractive venture since many Barbadians have shown an interest in African film, particularly the ‘Nollywood’ DVD’s which became a sensation in the island.
He also took the opportunity to inform the envoy of the role of the Commission for Pan African Affairs and the National Cultural Foundation in Barbados’s cultural sector.

The High Commissioner pointed to several other areas where the two countries could collaborate including agriculture with particular emphasis on the sugar cane industry; tourism in the area of hotel management and the educational sector.

However, he stressed that these initiatives were dependent on the establishment of a direct air link to the continent through Nigeria.

Author: Andra’ Skeete

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