Salutations:
The juncture of the celebration of CARIFESTA VIII here in Suriname, and the 30th Anniversary year of the Caribbean Community, is an ideal time for the CARICOM Secretariat and our private sector partner, TELESUR to join resources in exploring the rich potential of mind, technology and the impact on art and culture in the Caribbean. Certainly, there is no better time and no more suitable place for this event to be taking place.
We are therefore extremely pleased to welcome you to this “satellite” symposium, which will examine the critical technology-relevant issues emerging from the main symposium. The title: “Managing Mighty Continents of Mind and Memory: Harnessing Technology Potential For Arts and Culture in the Caribbean” was inspired by the words of two Caribbean poets – Nobel Prize-winner Derek Walcott and the late Frank Collymore, whose support for literary artists of merit was and is exemplary.
What is the significance of this title?
“Mind and Memory” speaks to our rich cultural heritage, the fruit of our individual and collective experience and imagination, and explores new tools for enrichment and promotion.
The notion of “Mighty Continents” points to the definition of expanded space, our trade agenda and the evolving CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), including the Caribbean Court of Justice.
Realising the potential of our arts and cultural industries is central to our social and economic development. Kendall Hippolyte this morning pointed out the need for the artist, while being the soul of society, to be aware of the industry and business aspects of his/her art.
At the opening of the Exhibition of Distinguished Artists on Monday (which took place against the imposing backdrop of the Presidential Palace that, even as we speak, is home to a remarkable collection which everyone should see) the stirring words of His Excellency, President Venetiaan of the Republic of Suriname, the Secretary-General of CARICOM and accomplished artist Leroy Clarke, reminded us that culture is the convergence of history, geography, and environment. Art is the manifestation of that process, of the spirit and vision that Kendall Hippolyte referred to.
We have to acknowledge another powerful dimension – information and communication technology (ICT) and the digital world.
There is now global reach for ideas. Life, and living, as we know it, has changed, continues to change, and there is a continuous, almost insatiable appetite for information. The digital age has certainly altered the way young people fashion their thinking and their world. Our mature citizens in order not to be left out must now learn new ways.
Fueled by creativity and bold innovation, the rise of the Internet has also offered avenues for poverty reduction and the creation of wealth and prosperity. It has changed patterns in trade, particularly international trade in services. Two thousand years ago whole populations had to move to be counted for the census; today information is gathered and transported at the click of a mouse. The new technological age has made size and geography irrelevant so that our relatively small countries and micro businesses have the potential to compete on the same footing as larger economies.
But there are also risks, particularly the risk of the digital divide, a new dimension of the haves and the have-nots. The question is how do we harness this vast potential, minimise the risks and use it to our advantage. This evening’s agenda will address the threats and the opportunities arising from ICT.
Recommendations from this symposium will be distilled and taken to the highest levels of decision-making. This includes the artistic community, government, the private sector, and of course CARICOM.
The CARICOM Secretariat is therefore pleased to extend our appreciation to TELESUR for hosting this event as an indication of its commitment to finding ways forward. We also extend our gratitude to the Government and people of Suriname for their support in presenting the symposium as part of CARIFESTA activities, and to you the participants for your willingness to engage the arts and our heritage in the new paradigm.
