COME SEPTEMBER, there should be a new cultural cooperation agreement between Barbados and Cuba.
This was revealed by the Minister with responsibility for Culture, Stephen Lashley.
While speaking during a press conference at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, Sky Mall Haggatt Hall on Wednesday, Lashley stated that the agreement would reflect a ‘focus on how both Barbados and Cuba can work together to encourage and expand export potential in relation to the creative sector’.
Underscoring the financial rewards present in the cultural industries, the Minister acknowledged that a new cultural cooperation agreement with Cuba would greatly benefit Barbados.
“We shouldn’t underestimate the value of the creative sector…Cuba over the years has amassed a significant amount of networks, particularly across Latin America, that Barbados is very keen on being a part of”.
Additionally, given Bridgetown’s World Heritage designation, the Minister further elaborated on how cultural collaboration would benefit Barbados. “We’re also going to be seeing Cuba working with Barbados in a number of curatorial areas, one of the biggest areas of interest for Barbados has been the area of conservation and preservation techniques, most particularly in relation to historic Bridgetown and its Garrison.” he explained.
The last cultural cooperation agreement between Barbados and Cuba ended in 1983. (BGIS)
