Government Information Service

by Emmanuel H. Joseph
Government Information Service

Delegates at the ALBA meeting for Cultural Ministers and Higher Authorities (right)

Twenty (20) officials from eight (8) countries inclusive of Ministers of Culture and Higher Authorities, the ALBA Cultural Fund and the ALBA Bank met in Dominica from June 15th to 17th 2010 for the third (3rd) Meeting of the Ministers of Culture and Higher Authorities of the ALBA Nations.

The meeting which was held at the Fort Young Hotel opened with formal opening ceremony at the Hotel on Wednesday, 16th June, 2010. Addressing the official opening ceremony, Dominica’s Chief Cultural Officer and ALBA Cultural Coordinator explained that this 3rd meeting was a fulfilment of proposal and acceptance of that proposal by former Minister of Culture, Lorraine Bannis-Roberts. He said that at the 2nd Meeting of Culture Ministers and Higher Authorities in May of 2009 in Venezuela, the then Hon. Bannis-Roberts formerly extended an invitation for the next meeting to be held in Dominica and he was happy to see that materialise.

Chief Cultural Officer and
ALBA Cultural Coordinator

Mr. Lawrence went on to say that he sees the convening of this meeting as a means of forwarding the promotion of culture and unity among the ALBA Nations.

“One of the great strengths about culture, among other things, is that it helps to bring countries closer together. It helps to build mutual understanding, appreciation and goodwill among nations. To me, that is one of the important roles I see culture playing within the ALBA Grouping: that of strengthening the bonds of friendships which already exists within the ALBA Grouping.

I think this ALBA Culture Meeting in Dominica serves a wonderful purpose, in that, it will continue to chart the way forward and consolidate plans for greater cooperation and exchange among the ALBA countries to participate in the ALBA Culture Programme in a more effective manner and in ways that are relevant and meaningful to each of the ALBA nations.”

In addressing the opening ceremony, Dominica’s Minister for Culture who is also the Hon. Minister for for Youth Affairs, Justina Charles, said that aim of the meeting was to promote the cultural development of our nations. She explained the importance of placing emphasis on culture development.

“It should be realised by all that culture is at the center of everyday’s life and, as a result, it must receive that level of emphasis by way of our government programmes and policies.”

Hon. Minister for Sports,
Culture and Youth Affairs,
Justina Charles

The Dominica Culture Minister said that because of the impact of culture on a nation, proper policies need to be put in place to guide such and explained the reason for Dominica doing so in 2007.

“In light of the impact that culture bares on the economic and overall development of a nation, culture itself needs to be nurtured and developed. For this reason, the plans and programmes of the Cultural Division are guided by a formal policy, the National Cultural Policy of the Commonwealth of Dominica which was approved by Cabinet in 2007. The nation’s Cultural Policy serves as a basis for an action plan for the development of culture. But more than that, it is a vision for Dominica to be identified as a cultural nature hub of the Caribbean.”

Minister Charles expressed the need for the ALBA nations to continue to exchange cultural expressions.

“We will, therefore, appreciate the need for us, as ALBA Nations, to share with each the varied cultural expressions through which we can strengthen our bonds of friendship. In short, our vision for culture will see us brothers and sisters even though we hail from Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Nicaragua, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Venezuela.”

Dominica’s Hon. Minister for Tourism and Legal Affairs, Ian Douglas, represented the Prime Minister’s at Wednesday’s official opening. He told the gathering that unity doesn’t only exist for economical purposes but first has to be achieved among people and that is what ALBA should continue to do.

“For unity does not only exist in the economic sphere; unity also exists in the cultural sphere, unity among people, that is. The potential for the future development and further development for all the peoples of the region through ALBA is tremendous. Therefore, this is the reason why we commend your decision to hold this meeting here in Dominica today: the Meeting of Ministers of Culture and Higher Authorities of ALBA nations.”

Hon. Minister for Tourism
and Legal Affairs, Ian Douglas

Minister Douglas called on delegates of that meeting to let this meeting serve as a role model that others can pattern on.

“Let this meeting serve as a beacon to the rest of the region that we need to bring our collected strengths together. We need to bring our collective economic strengths together; we need to bring our collective social strengths together and I dare say we need to bring out cultural strengths together so that we can package ourselves as indeed one region that we really are. Let the rest of the world look upon this example as a great example of unity among us.”

In the meanwhile, following the day’s meeting, members of the press were briefed on what transpired during the meeting. Chairperson of the proceedings, Dominica’s Cultural Minister, described the meeting as important and fruitful. The meeting concentrated on discussions relating to culture in the various territories within the grouping.

“We looked at the overview and perspective of the handling and development of the Grand National Cultural Projects of ALBA. In order to address these objectives, we had Dr. Ismael Gonzalez who deliberated on the delivery of the report from the 2nd meeting held in May of 2009. Following that, we had Mr. José Perez who deliberated on the management of the ALBA Cultural Fund.”

The various island representatives reported on the status of the ALBA cultural events within their various islands.
Minister Charles said that there were frank discussions on the way forward. They also looked at the challenges faced by the individual countries especially the small island states and focused on areas where assistance is needed.

The Cultural Strategic Plan that was developed and proposed a few years ago was also looked at. This was done to look at where the ALBA member states are at the moment and the way forward. In doing so, participants at the meeting identified the various programmes under the ALBA Fund that they need to pay attention to in terms of developing culture within that region and as such were prioritised in terms of greatest need.
Other issues looked at included:

• Training for cultural personnel
• Infrastructure needs among member nations

The ALBA Cultural Fund has committed itself to assisting the member states with their various projects in order of priority. A representative from the bank disclosed at the press conference that a total of US$6.5 million (USD$6 500 000.00) has been allocated for assisting the various countries but no concrete decision has been taken as it relates to how much each member country receives as there is still some work to be done inclusive of receiving proposals from the member countries of their needs listed in order of priority. The deadline set for the submission of these proposals is July 10th, 2010.

Hon. Justina Charles stated that the next meeting is carded for Bolivar in May of 2011. A first teleconference has been set for August 2010 where members will look back at decisions taken at this year’s meeting and will assess progress made. At the end of the meeting, a declaration was made. This declaration, the Roseau Declaration (English Version) (pdf) and (Spanish Version) (pdf), outlines decisions taken at the meeting and is available for reading at the above links both in English and Spanish.

Following the day's proceedings, participants were treated to a cultural evening at the Old Mill Cultural Center where Dominica's culture in song, dance and sensay was put on display. The delegates were taken on a tour of the island including a visit to Barana Autê in the Carib Territory.

Tradibelle Bélé group from Grand Bay performing
at the cultural evening