 Hello and welcome to an NTN special interview special. My name is Jesse Leance and I have in studio with me a special guests a Minister of government a senator the honorable Fortuna Belrose She is the minister with responsibility for culture and the creative industries a special. Good morning to you senator Thank you very much Jesse. Good morning. Thank you so much for being here with us We seem to be I won't I want to start with carnival Because we are on you know the brink of what would have been the 20th and 21st carnival Monday and Tuesday And the many persons on those days and even the weekend and since it was announced that it will be postponed to 2021 persons have been reflecting on carnival and expressing their disappointment, but through no fault of the government We've had COVID-19 the onset of it putting off a lot of activities including carnival itself this Cultural showpiece. Can you speak to what the plans are of the government? We've had we've heard word of your support for carnival going forward speak to your plans for the Cultural showpiece in 2021. I can imagine a lot of persons will be looking forward to it coming bigger and better next year Yeah, I think thank you very much for that. I'm Jesse First of all, I really want to thank the carnival fraternity because when the decision was made To defer to next year. I think they were integral. You understand to making that decision And in fact, they really drove us, you know to making the decision earlier because we were at a point where We had agreed that we would have gone by the 30th of April to make a decision on the carnival and the carnival fraternity felt You know, come on. Let's let's make a decision hadn't passed early Some of us were ready some of us were not quite ready But in the advent of COVID and with all what was happening globally It was just impossible for us to do it. So let us not delay it But let's take the decision now to do it for next year. So having done that and agreed and worked with them I think it would be the honest now is on them as well as us To ensure that next year we deliver bigger and better From a government standpoint, I could tell you what we've done now is we've reorganized our events in NUSHA organization That would be working in in the forefront with these organizations to deliver see NUSHA's carnival We've established a new board to ensure that the the focus With respect to the delivery of our cultural events and festivals is well well executed Next year the government of course committed itself again to give in the three point something million dollars to carnival So that is there in terms of the investment but I think importantly what we've seen over the last three years is the level of investment being made by the private persons and the bands in particular because the carnival bands Association is another critical agency in the delivery of the carnival product For St. Lucia. So there's been great enthusiasm great effort By all of these parties and we continue to feel and you know and sense the synergy You know as we move into the planning mode for carnival next year and not only carnival, but all our events I think we've been able to establish a certain standard in terms of operating and so all of the key players You know understand where we are headed and so the support is very much there with respect to every aspect of our programming for the for The delivery of our national events. So we're quite comfortable in terms of where we are We are satisfied that the organizations the private bands and the and the and the private agencies that are working are in tune with us There's a lot of dialogue that will be happening over the next few months to shape the schedule for next year for carnival But I think we are on a good footing With respect to the recognition, you know of the importance of carnival itself You know to our economy as a country and when my government four years ago established events company It was to send a message across the society and globally that we are We are committed to the development of the arts, but importantly the arts too must contribute economically to our country and so we've seen great effort in so far as ensuring that that happened Simultaneously with the delivery day the development of the carnival locally. So we're quite happy where we are and the agencies have Understood that mandate and we are all working together to ensure that we deliver next year So we want to say hats off to the key players. It's not government only government is just one one one supporting arm We create the policy environment you understand But the investors the people the communities are coming forward to take ownership to make it happen in the way that we want And we're quite happy of what we've seen. Okay, we've made our peace with carnival and hoping for bigger better next year As it pertains to other cultural activities for this year. We know there was a roster of Activities for the year 2020. Yeah, do we hold our breath for additional events this year? I know certainly considering COVID-19. There are a lot of things that have to be considered going forward Can you speak to what are the plans of your ministry? Well, yeah, well, thanks for that I think currently what we the events in Lucia cultural development foundation folk research center all the key players are currently involved in Looking at some events that can possibly happen between now and the Creole heritage month You know just to open up, you know, we've opened up the country But we believe that it is necessary to have some small activities to engage some of our artists who are really crying out You understand and looking for opportunity to perform, you know, we recognize the value of that to our country And so the the agencies are currently trying to put a schedule together to be able to deliver some small events Having said that so it must be small events It cannot be mass events because you would appreciate the protocols with respect to the Ministry of Health will therefore organization with respect to the COVID virus But we are looking to shape some small events To ensure that our entire nation participates in it So it may it will be part visual virtual and also there'll be a physical setting where people, you know Can't congregate, but I think we have a minimum of 200 persons in that setting but maximum. Yeah, maximum 200 persons So that will be unveiled in in in the not too distant future They're still trying to tidy it up so that it fits and fits into the criteria You understand particularly with this season called COVID Okay, in addition to events that there's a lot of work and stride that have been made from your ministry and Much of which you did speak on from your Contribution during the budget debates If you could just give us some insight into what we can expect coming from your ministry in terms of plans I know that the music lab is being a wrapped up at Grosile as also also in castries the southeast But can you speak to additional work that is being taken to help support our entertainer support? Creative content creators here in St. Lucia. Yeah, well, I think the Fundamental thing that we'll be doing or the the the priority for us in the next year would be to conduct a review of the national policy Okay, culture as you know the the cultural policy was established in the early part of the new this new millennium It's now almost 20 years old And of course we believe that given the dynamics of the environment where we are now as a nation The infusion of that digital economy, you know, there's so many areas for us and even as a government What we want to do with respect to our cultural development foundation, which is one of the key agencies To drive the development of our culture the kind of work that we want to do with these in this institution We would need to have that broad consultation and dialogue with the public to ensure that everybody understands clearly What it is that we want to do We recognize that the the the the demand For the arts is growing We are trying to build that creative economy And so we have to ensure that everything that we do tip us you understand into into that into that Into that position where we are headed as a nation And so the consultations will begin at some point But currently we are working with some of the Developing the terms of reference so that we can review that policy in the way that we want to ensure that we have a policy That is relevant Consent the test and can send the test of time Over the next few years, but that's where we are with respect to working on that policy Let's stick up in in that we're gonna come back to the policy We're due for our first break in this special interview do stay tuned when we come back We speak more on the national cultural policy that is being prepared drafted at this time as indicated by the prime minister Honourable Alan Shastney, and we will be getting into other aspects of the ministry of Culture and creative industries as well as speaking on the income support that is being offered for a content creators That have now been affected displaced by the effects of COVID-19 Stay tuned overnight growing national a vaccine for COVID-19 Throughout the COVID-19 virus The coronavirus Opposition to the lockdown In this constantly changing environment Resulting in sensory overload Cut through the noise and tune in to the national television network the official source of information all facts Thank you so much for staying tuned. This is an NTN Special NTN interview special and in this edition we are speaking to the Senator the Honourable Fortuna Belarus. She is the minister with responsibility for culture and the creative industries We were just coming off of before this this break Speaking on the national cultural policy that is being drafted at this time again If you could just go over the plans for this cultural policy You didn't mention that that there's consultation to be had at terms of reference being Prepared but could you just give us some insight as to where this administration is headed with this policy What it does it it's looking to encapsulate within this policy the priority areas for this sector Well, well, when you when you think of the policy you're looking at the Environment in which you want to you know, you exist Yeah, and the policy framework in which you want your policy to develop there are a number of issues that are currently plague in our society and We believe and we see it every day, you know issues of the dependency syndrome, you know Where people expect in the society others to really be doing things for them as opposed to them doing for themselves We need to look deep within ourselves and see how best as a society We can assist in transforming that behavior from being so reliant on Guvermore for everything you understand to people understanding that they have a responsibility for themselves And so they they need now to be able to to learn to fish in other words, you know To be able to survive, you know in these times that's that's one of the critical things the dependency syndrome is there and And over the years we've had the policy But what have we really done to be able to shape the mindsets to ensure that people you understand become independent citizens and being able to contribute freely, you know to the society I'm not looking for those extrinsic rewards, but valuing the intrinsic rewards that they receive from being part of a community You understand so so there are lots of issues that we see as we've gone with 40 years independent But there are a number of issues that affect our own mindset And so we need to look to see where we've in that system that we're setting up that we would be able to find that Independence and freedom to be able to live as citizens who respect each other, you know love each other and Of course understand that we all have a contribution to make, you know And when people make their contribution and they're successful that we don't envy them But we look to emulate them and aspire to be like them, you know, and even perhaps be better than them So we need we need to look deep and and within the culture There's so many things that we can do to assist us in arriving and deriving that, you know And I think to some extent we probably lack the systematic approach in arriving at that point But I think it's time that we look at it and see how best we can use the institutions that exist Within our culture to be able to assist us in realizing that, you know So there's a lot of work to be done And we have to look at the synergizing the connectivity the Relationships with within all these institutions that support our cultural programming to ensure that we deliver what we want for our country And I can imagine too There's also to be considered the way we see in the emergence of technology playing into the creative industry you've seen The evolution of should I say the the addition of content creators. Absolutely has youtubers Yes, she has yes more more studios Yes, I can you speak to how that will also play into the national well I think in a very big way and you know and and for us now when I grew up We didn't have what we had was just what was around us But now young people have so many things at the fingertips, you know, the world has changed You know And so the opportunity is even to shoot your own videos and do your own programming, you know How does society respond to that? How does the Ministry of Culture? How does the cultural development foundation respond, you know to the demands of young people who you know who are Who are very savvy, you know and have the ability to be able to do certain things, you know Within within this within the social media realm And so we have to respond to those things and we need an institution We need organizations that are prepared to engage and move in that direction So I think for too long. We've just sat and watched what is happening. We need now to make the change And so we're looking for a system that will adapt and respond, you know to the demands of this new era You know with respect to with respect to our culture Granted, of course, there are things that will always be Authentically solution and that's what we want, you know, but then as the environment changes We have to be Ready to embrace change, but at the same time not losing that identity of the solutioness weaving that we all yes We will be all on for okay Moving on if you could just give us a well a Deadline if any for this policy because I know a lot of persons who are looking forward to this cultural policy What it will have what it will entail and how soon it can benefit Creatives here on island at any deadlines. Yeah Well, the thing is the poll there's a policy document that has been reviewed and so that is a process So you do your initial scoping on the dog your initial assessment of the document then of course You have to pay the terms of reference with respect to what you want done So so that process is currently ongoing, you know, because you've only just been mandated You understand to undertake that assignment So we we've done the preliminary and of course very soon will be going out Into the public domain to find you know the consultant who would be taking you know taking on the work within you know Within within that time within that framework, but of course I can't put a timeline on that I think if you're looking at a comprehensive review of your policy that calls for quite a bit of engagement Liberation connecting going through communities Engaging communities and yeah, it will take some time, you know to get it done and so all the reasons. Yes, of course Of course for all the right reasons And so yeah, I can't really put a timeline but one would hope within at least 16 months, you know They about you know, that process can be can be completed You know, but it will take some time to to get it done and get it done correctly Because you want everybody to have an input into what is happening. Absolutely Going on to the your contribution in the honorable house in terms of the budget debates We did hear from you that there was a reduction in the allocation for your ministry as opposed to the previous year How can you speak to how you'll be maximizing the allocation this year in terms of meeting of them as many needs of the ministry In an effort to support the individuals that you target at this time. Yeah, well, well, they yes our The the contribution to the creative industries and culture was of course significantly reduced and that's expected It's COVID time. It's difficult but having said that though I think there is a strong commitment from the government with respect to supporting the arts and So whenever there's an opportunity Or a worthy project that comes through I think there would be systems to ensure that the support is given To the artists. I think you you would appreciate particularly my prime minister You know is very very fond of the arts and he believes it a value of the arts towards the society And so one one cannot ignore the fact that we have a number of creative persons who are there, you know Particularly at this time who are unemployed and not able to not able to work And having said that that's why we so grateful for the income support program, which is now ruling out For the artists those persons who are artisans crafters vendors you name it The opportunity is now for them to come in Completely necessary application form the support system is there now for them to be able to do that online If they don't have the means they just come into the Ministry of Tourism and that service is provided for them So once you can provide all the documentation, of course They would get that support, but they the support system is there for them And you know the the importance of the arts must never be understated, you know and the estimated it is significant It is what makes us, you know who we are It was it was it's what demonstrates to say Lucian's who we are, you know It's what defines us when we go abroad as well, you know And so it's it's an industry that you cannot ignore, you know And so even if the amount is reduced, I think the value of the work, you understand will always be there It will remain, you know, and of course we just want to encourage those persons in that sector, you know to to continue to work To do what they have to do, you know to to make our nation, you know continue to you know to be proud of them Wonderful. Yeah, we are due for another break when we come back another segment to talk with a senator the Honorable Fortuna Bellaro speaking on the Portfolio the creative industries as well as culture stay tuned for that and more Think about the children, how will we save it? Chemicals and GMOs are not the solution Use organic and join Excessive agrochemical use Additives and genetically modified foods are harmful to health and the environment Join the good food revolution grow buy and consume organic a message from Rye St. And the Ministry of Sustainable Development with funding from the GEF small grants program UNDP Thank you so much for staying tuned we continue our interview special with a senator the Honorable Fortuna Bellaro's Minister with responsibility for culture and the creative industries I want to touch on the Goodwill ambassadors at this time if you could speak to This this work that is ongoing and and I think commendable on the part of your ministry for this this initiative Speak to it. What is happening and how is it benefiting the image of St. Lucia at this time? Yeah, well as you know St Lucia has we've got lots of talented people And I think that's something that we've spoken about for years now lots of persons who are productive citizens contributing significantly achieving globally And of course prepared to give back to our society And so I think it was last year or last year earlier this year We launched a program where we identified with outstanding St Lucia's to be a part of that process with us on their journey of personal development Twinning with the the government of St Lucia As ambassadors to contribute towards the development of our society So we found some of those very good people in the society to be a part of us They've been working with us steadfastly quite a few of them have already delivered, you know substantial projects To St Lucia I know for a fact we have people like Jali Murovic Who is working steadfastly, grow globally And dealing with a number of artists world world renowned artists Who of course I think in his case, there'll be one artist coming in to St Lucia Very shortly will make the announcement And of course making a presentation to the government of St Lucia We have Mr. Ken Cittoli Who lives in Canada but has been a philanthropist and providing quite a bit of support to us Particularly around medical supplies and also the disabled persons in the society We also have Taj weeks everybody know a musician and philanthropists as well doing great work, you know in community across St Lucia And of course we had let me see if I'm trying to remember them of the back there now But then we we we also looking to to bring in a new Ambassador, yes, of course In the person of Miss Claudia Edward Claudia as you know has been a Singer global singer as well. She's sings across the world But more importantly for us when we look at the work that she's doing Particularly hands in Lucia with respect to our schools and our students I think it's it's it's something that needs to be given greater recognition She's been able to build a theater. I'm not sure how many St Lucians have built a theater within a school So she's been able to work with a school to develop a theater She's been able to work with the Korean secondary school to be able to develop a Lab a sick lab for the children Um, and of course in the case of the afi maria school She's been able to work with them to develop a learning center So, you know, that's the kind of work you want to recognize and that's the kind of Acknowledgement you want to give to persons who are given back So, you know, so just just as citizens of this country not sitting and depending on government But going out there achieving and contributing to the development of the society. That's what you want to recognize and so the Goodwill ambassadors program is all about that A model for St Lucians, you know, so they can see what it is that the society values, you know And we're talking about culture and valuing And and and being passionate about things, you know, that's what we are. We're passionate about our people We we recognize success. We appreciate success and as a government it's important for us to say yes We value you we appreciate the work that you're doing You know, we would want you to continue and we want you to be that model for other youngsters coming up You understand to be able to emulate, you know, and not be envious of but supportive of you know And and so yeah, we've got some gems in that program And we quite elated that these persons have been able to stay within within the program and work with us At this point in time. But that's what we want. We want the models. We want passionate solutions Who are prepared to give service to country and we want to recognize that for generations to come You know, so they can see exactly what it is we value as a people So this is the object of the of the of the um Ambassador program in addition to selling of course that solution brand Wherever you are across the globe people can recognize, you know and value, you know, that that's solution The the investment is not always monetary. Absolutely. It's not always monetary It's it's about giving service and the quality of person on the mindset You know that it's sold across the globe as a person from st. Lucia Okay, quite extensive is your work within the ministry of culture and creative industries We're making this a two-part series special interview. Do stay tuned To you our viewers are watching we have a second part to this interview with a senator the honorable fortuna bell rose My name is jesse layos speaking on the portfolio the ministry Of culture and creative industries. So stay tuned for the second part of this interview. Goodbye. Meantime