Booklet on culture and heritage policy printed
(L-R) Jennifer Ahearn, Roy McTaggart and Nancy Barnard review the booklet
(CNS Local Life): The country’s first printed copy of the National Culture & Heritage Policy and Strategic Plan was released Monday, 22 May 2017, presented by the Ministry of Culture. An e-book version of the policy will be available online by early June on the ministry’s website. “This policy and strategic plan is an expression of this government’s belief that we need to adopt and implement a set of coherent principles for culture and heritage,” Culture Minister Alden McLaughlin said.
“Areas of focus include land-based and maritime-heritage, legal and governance aspects; literary arts and oral history; visual arts, crafts and creative industries; and festivals and performing arts.”
Aside from setting out the policy directions for the culture and heritage sectors for the next 10 years, the booklet is filled with the rich history of the Islands, images of cultural icons and significant events, stated a government press release.
“Each page tells a story of our country’s history: who we were, who we are today and how I hope our ancestors and traditions will be remembered in the future,” Roy McTaggart, Ministerial Councillor for Culture, said. “This unprecedented policy and strategic plan will aim to protect and preserve aspects of our Caymanian heritage, nurture and foster cultural expression and support the further growth of all creative industries in the Cayman Islands.”
Ministry leaders and a cabinet-appointed steering committee, comprising public and private sector stakeholders, began work on the document in 2015, eventually submitting a draft policy for public consultation in January this year.
On 21 February, Cabinet approved the document for the years 2017-2026, after which it was tabled at the Legislative Assembly.
“Many people have spent countless hours working, writing and researching material to make this policy and strategic plan a reality,” Chief Officer for Culture Jennifer Ahearn said. “I’m thrilled that the hard work has now paid off, and today we are able to proudly present this booklet to the people of this country.”
Once the booklet is distributed throughout Cayman, interested persons will be able to read the policy at all district public libraries; public and private school libraries; the UCCI and ICCI libraries; all cultural, heritage and arts institutions; various service, social and sport clubs; and hospital waiting rooms and coffee shops.
“The Culture & Heritage Policy truly speaks to the heart and soul of the Cayman Islands; it is time to have these sectors given the strategic focus and support required to preserve our fragile heritage, both tangible and intangible, and to develop the creative cultural spheres,” Deputy Chief Officer Nancy Barnard said. “We are so grateful to each and every stakeholder who telephoned, came to public meetings, sent in feedback forms and did the survey, to contribute to this policy. It was developed by wide consultation.”
Category: Culture
