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Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley discussing the artwork of Rafza Neahaul with patron, Neesa Williams at the Caribbean Fine Art Fair (CaFA) and Symposium at the Old Spirit Bond. (BGIS)

Government is seeking to implement a National Policy that will make culture an integral part of national development.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley, made this disclosure recently during his feature address at the Caribbean Fine Art Fair (CaFA) and Symposium at the Old Spirit Bond, Bridgetown.

Stating that the policy would address the island’s emerging film industry, Minister Lashley stressed that he was committed to the advancement of that creative sector.

"Barbados is seeking to develop its local film industry, an industry which I endeavour to promote even more aggressively in the near future," he said.

He continued: "The development of our local film industry would inevitably open doors for us on so many fronts, especially in relation to cultural development and, of course, the financial development of this nation.?? Barbados could of course become a film destination for regional and international productions."

Lauding the organisers of CaFA for including regional and international film screenings in their event, he outlined that some of the featured films came from Guadeloupe, Trinidad, Martinique, the United Kingdom and France.

Stating that this inclusion demonstrated that there were united and collaborative efforts towards the development of several aspects of culture, he underscored that collaboration was another objective of the Barbados National Policy.

"Collaboration is necessary not only within the region but also with our international counterparts.?? One of the objectives of the National Policy for the cultural industries in Barbados is to foster, and where possible undertake, the exchange between different communities in Barbados, the Caribbean and the world," the Culture Minister explained.

He added that the policy sought to increase the cultural awareness of art locally.

This year, CaFA exhibited the work of over 35 Barbadian and regional artists.?? Executive Director of CaFA, Anderson Pilgrim, explained that this year’s Caribbean Luminary Arts Award was given to the late Philip Moore, of Guyana.??

He stated that the sculptor was one of the region’s first internationally recognised artists and stated that the award was sought to recognise "an outstanding and transcending body of astonishing art, produced over a span of eight decades."

Consul General of Guyana to Barbados, Michael Brotherson, who collected the award on behalf of Mr. Moore’s family, said that the Late Philip Moore was "a Guyanese icon who was an artist, a leader and a visionary in the creative arts who led the way with his unique creativity."??

Mr. Brotherson said the artist was best known for his cast-bronze "1793 monument" which is displayed in the Plaza of Revolution, Georgetown, Guyana.??

shamkoe.pile@barbados.gov.bb

Author: Shamkoe Pil??

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