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The international community continues to recognize andembrace
the increasing and undeniable role of culture in development.
Many of our Caribbean states however, continue to struggle
with its significance whilst others move assertively to enable its
contribution to economic growth.
With all the varying approaches what is unquestionable is our
ability as a region to meaningfully contribute to the global
creative landscape. The only musical instrument developed in
the 20th century was imagined and created in the Caribbean
twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago. The musical genre of
Reggae and its iconic figure, Bob Marley who captivated the
globe and continues to do so decades after his death is from the
Caribbean island of Jamaica. The list can actually go on to even
include more recent exploits such as the Barbadian international
sensation, Rihanna who to date, continues to break records in
the music industry.
There is enough documentation and research to indicate that
inextricably linked to economic growth is a buoyant and vibrant
cultural and creative economy. A lot of this is particularly
evidenced in societies where the cultural mix is often diverse and
allows for the cross fertilization of varying perspectives and for
ideas to germinate into creative expressions which spawn new
products, businesses and industries. Our benefit in the region is
that nowhere in the world is that cultural mix more intensely
represented and condensed than in the Caribbean. The creative
talent and expression which exude as a result, is everywhere.
Our job as a development agency is to give structure and open
opportunities for creative talent to blossom and grow into
strong exportable products for the rest of the world to embrace,
purchase, and enjoy. It is for us to help build a quintessential,
globally recognizable Caribbean brand.
By no means is this an easy task but it is very much a doable one.
One with the potential to transform faltering economies within
the region and inject new approaches into age old views about
where the source of economic growth will come from in a 21st
century marketplace. It’s our designers, musicians, filmmakers
and artistes who will lead the change in a creative economy.
This publication is but a small representation of what is possible
with the right support. It showcases only a microcosm of those
brave and persevering creative entrepreneurs who dared to
challenge the status quo and demonstrate the huge possibilities
resident in the creative industries. Caribbean Export Development
Agency stands beside these entrepreneurs helping to lead the
charge in giving credence to the transformative effect of the
creative industries and its ability to be a meaningful contributor
to GDP.
Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director
Caribbean Export Development Agency
“It’s our designers, musicians,
filmmakers and artistes who
wil l lead the change in a
creative economy.”
Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director
Caribbean Export Development Agency