BVI's creative sectors key to economy and identity, minister says

The Government is backing the creative and cultural sectors as essential drivers of economic and social progress, Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture Luce D. Hodge-Smith said on October 12.

Addressing the Virgin Islands Culture and Heritage Policy, Hodge-Smith outlined the breadth of industries the Territory considers part of its cultural economy: literary and visual arts, crafts, multimedia, performing arts, culinary traditions, museums, heritage sites, and traditional practices.

"When we develop the creative and cultural industries properly, we strengthen our culture and heritage, and in turn, we strengthen our nation and our economy," Hodge-Smith said.

The minister identified cultural confidence as a cornerstone of the policy: the capacity of a nation to recognise its own culture's worth and sustain faith in its relevance. She cautioned that without such conviction, local traditions risk being overwhelmed by external influences.

"As our policy reminds us, without firm faith in our own culture, we cannot be sure that our culture can stand up to the impact of other cultures," she said. "Have the courage to forge ahead and have the vitality for growing innovation and creativity."

The Culture and Heritage Policy and Strategy places cultural confidence, national identity, creative-industry growth, and socioeconomic gains at its core. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development is working to weave heritage, arts, and tourism into the Territory's broader development agenda.

Hodge-Smith invited residents to attend town hall meetings on the policy, stressing its relevance to every islander. "Remember, it is our nation, our economy, our culture, and our heritage," she said.