Financial Institutions and private investors are being urged to invest in the cultural industries.
This call has come from Minister of Culture, Stephen Lashley, as he delivered remarks at the Cultural Industries Symposium 2016 Investors’ Forum and Breakfast, held today at the Barbados Hilton Resort.
Mr. Lashley stated that Government recognised and embraced the idea that creativity could generate “significantly higher economic revenue”, and stressed that support must come from both Government and the private sector.
He told the representatives from several financial institutions that Government’s continued commitment to the development and promotion of a competitive cultural and creative industry in Barbados could be seen through the enactment of the Cultural Industries Development Act. He especially highlighted Section 31 of the Act, which spoke specifically to investment and returns to investors.
Highlighting the importance of the creative sector’s development, the Culture Minister added: “A creative nation is a productive nation… Creativity is the fastest growing business in the world.”
The Investors’ Forum was aimed at speaking to the financial regulations and requirements involved in conducting business with cultural and creative industry practitioners.
In total, 13 financial institutions and potential corporate investors attended the event, including First Citizens Bank, Barbados Public Workers’ Cooperative Credit Union Limited, Caribbean Export Development Agency and Globe Finance.
jamal.weekes@barbados.gov.bb
