In his message to mark World Day for Cultural Diversity on Wednesday, CARICOM Secretary General Edwin Carrington acknowledged the key role of cultural understanding, cooperation and awareness to the effective implementation of the Community’s flagship programme, the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
He asserted that “the foundation of our regionalism is located in the common historical and cultural heritage of the Caribbean,” a press release from the CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, said.
Carrington also called on the Community to respect and promote the principles of cultural diversity so it would be a place built on mutual understanding and respect for all cultures.
According to the Secretary General, the promotion of cultural diversity, safeguarding cultural heritage and developing creative industries were priority areas in CARICOM.
“Culture is central to building a sense of community, of ensuring that the people of the Region feel connected and intensely Caribbean, thereby forging a regional identity,” the CARICOM Secretary General contended.
In this regard, he noted that CARICOM’s regional agenda for culture acknowledged and celebrated the richness of the cultural diversity of the Region.
Carrington also pointed to the evolution of national and regional cultural policies in member states and asserted that such policies should be “cognisant of and responsive to the unique historical and cultural realities of our people, taking account of the often adverse legacies and impact of slavery, indentureship and colonial rule that have shaped our Caribbean contemporary society.”
He also acknowledged the need for the Community to create opportunities for the full development of the creativity of its young people, noting that this was central to the development of the Region’s culture agenda.
“Youth must be engaged both because they are primary producers and consumers of culture, and also as a strategy for diverting youthful energy into positive avenues, and away from risky behaviour,” Carrington stated.
And pointing to the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) as one vehicle that presented excellent opportunities for youth engagement and exposure, he called on the Community to support the tenth staging of the region’s premier cultural festival, which is slated to take place from August 22-31 in Guyana.
The CARICOM Secretary General also acknowledged the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for taking the lead in observing May 21 as World Day for Cultural Diversity, in accordance with the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions which came into force on March 18, 2007.
