Success can no longer be measured in purely academic terms, says Acting Minister of Family, Culture, Youth and Sports Ronald Jones.
At the launch of the 2010 National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) at the Hilton hotel, on Wednesday evening, Jones said it was recognised that new approaches were needed for national development and for human resource development.
“Modern technologies have opened new vistas for our young people. No longer can we continue to measure success purely in academic terms. Our young people now have opportunities which were inconceivable even ten years ago.”
The minister said that NIFCA’s sub-theme Our Thoughts, Our Creativity, Our Nation bears out Government’s commitment to nation-building through culture and the arts.
“Research has also shown us that in addition to economic benefits, cultural and artistic activities also have the potential to create social cohesion and to play a critical role in the control of environments and other behaviours among young people.
“Culture and the arts provide young people with opportunities for self-expression. It can teach them to use their inner creativity, not for destructive purposes, but for constructive ones.”
The minister described NIFCA as a highly successful festival which was founded to ensure that cultural and artistic expression in Barbados was encouraged and preserved.
“Many festivals across the region have come and gone but NIFCA persists as the result of being deeply embedded in our schools and communities because cultural proponents appreciate the richness which it brings to their lives and the lives of its various audiences. Barbados is culturally richer from this display of talent.”
Jones commended the National Cultural Foundation for continuing the tradition of excellence each year by encouraging local artistes and practitioners to move from strength to strength in their creative expressions.
The minister also announced that the Steel Shed in Queen’s Park was currently being renovated and was expected to be reopened at the end of the year. (AH)
