St Kitts and Nevis: The Minister of Agriculture, Sports and Creative Economy, Samal Duggins, has recently taken part in the Press Conference held on Tuesday, July 11 (Yesterday) at 2 pm.
The minister notified that the Government of St Kitts and Nevis is set to introduce new Department of Creative Economy this month on 28th July, 2023. He addressed a number of different topics and future pathways under the ministry’s consideration, such as entrepreneurship, businesses and innovative and creative economy.
According to the shared information, the press conference featuring Agriculture and Creative Economy Minister Samal Duggins was held under the under the directives of Prime Minister – Dr Terrance Drew.
At the beginning of the press conference, nearly ten different creative sectors were highlighted as part of the Creative Economy, such as performing arts, film and media, tradition bearers, visual arts and craft, culinary arts, cosmetic arts, literary arts, gaming and innovation, service providers and arts administration. “That, in a nutshell, is a creative economy”, the updates said.
On his part, while delivering his opening remarks, Minister Duggins extended his warm wishes and greetings to the residents and people of St Kitts and Nevis.
Along with that, he also recognized the efforts and hard work put in by the hard-working staff of the Ministry of Sports and Creative Economy and the Department of the Creative Economy.
In addition, he expressed his delightfulness regarding the work and pathway followed by the ministry while recalling the establishment of the concept of taking the creative sector forward. He emphasized that the goal was to facilitate Kittitians and Nevisians to enjoy the benefits of creativity and art.
Furthermore, he added, “We recognize that was not an easy feat”. In this context, Minister Samal Duggins stated that this was a decent accomplishment as the people mostly see this sector as a hobbyist area. He said that the goal was to change the mindset of the people regarding the creative sector, for which the term “Creative Economy” was introduced.
By this, Minister Samal Duggins emphasized that the term alone clarifies that the ministry has been considering the economic value of the act and creativity.
Meanwhile, during his address, the Creative Economy Minister also highlighted that “I think just by uttering the people that you come in with a different sense and approach”.
He mentioned that instituting Robertine Webb as the Director of the Creative Economy, who carries a clear vision, was one of the most special things that happened.
“A clear vision of exactly where we want to go and all the sets to take us there, I want to give the director a round of applauds”, he said.
The press conference was also addressed by Creative Economy Director Robertine Webb, who highlighted the project’s transformation along with upcoming global initiatives in the Creative Economy sector.
In her remarks, she emphasized that the creative industry has been a rapidly growing and dynamic sector of the global economy. Webb said this is due to digital advancements, technologies and increased demand for creative and cultural content.
Additionally, she mentioned, “The creative economy has become an important driver of the economic growth, job creation and innovation”. The Department of Creative Economies aims at enhancing the skills of creatives through its initiatives, Webb added.
She also outlined that the quality of the services also plays an essential role in the success of the creative industry. The ministry also aims to provide support and assistance to help national creatives to achieve their full potential, added the Director.
Furthermore, on his part, Minister of Agriculture and Creative Economy Samal Duggins took it from there and highlighted the role and challenges they faced on the appointment of Robertine Webb as the Director of the department.
In this regard, he added that it is essential to notice that when their current Director was installed, there was quite a bit of criticism levied based on her age.
Minister Duggins continued, saying that people sometimes need to recognize that age and qualification don’t always go together.
Minister Duggins praised Robertine Webb while noting that, as per her age, she is super qualified for the position and accomplished the tag of the youngest Director in the civil service.
“I think she has done a hell of a job putting us where we are today”, he added. He also stressed that it is just the beginning of the initiatives, and they are laying a strong foundation together.
It was also noted that he has been receiving a number of questions regarding the scope and position of the creative economy from the people, in response to which he stated that he wanted to highlight some of the work done during the past year.
Samal Duggins noted that during the last year, the Ministry of Sports and Creative Economy handled the daunting task of planning the national Carnival with grace and integrity only two months before the launch. “One could imagine that was a feed in itself”, he added.
He further recalled a number of other events conducted by the Department of Creative Economy in St Kitts and Nevis, which was a huge success with record turnouts.
While extending his remarks, he also notified that the first-time hosted Sugar Mass Awards during the Sugar Mass 51 Carnival was a significant feat in fifty-plus years. And a number of awards were presented to the people who played a very important role in conducting the Carnival as well as making it a success.
In his address, Minister Samal Duggins outlined an often-overlooked sector in St Kitts and Nevis recognized by the Department of Creative Economy as “Cultural Heritage”.
He mentioned Marlene Philip, an Research and Document Specialist from the Caribbean country, who has been putting efforts into preserving the heritage culture of St Kitts and Nevis.
It was also noted that it is essential to highlight the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of the native people. “We have been doing quite a bit of work in the preservation of our Cultural Heritage, which is often overlooked as it is not called a sexy area”.
While praising Marlene Philip for her efforts and hard work, Minister Duggins has noted that she has brought significant light to this area and has done significant work in this respective area.
He concluded that it has been long since Phillip delivered her services, completing almost twenty-three years, which deserves praise and appreciation.
In the end, Samal Duggins ensured that the Ministry of Creative Economy will continue to serve the country’s creative sector by introducing new opportunities and policies to the general public.
