THE CREATIVE ECONOMY OF ST KITTS AND NEVIS IS VIBRANT AND DYNAMIC, WHERE INNOVATION THRIVES!
This event was met with great excitement and high expectations, promising a multitude of prospects for the Federation’s creative economy.
This strategic initiative is designed to empower creatives, providing them with a platform to showcase and market their talents, consequently fuelling the growth of the vibrant creative economy of St Kitts and Nevis.
The Minister of the Creative Economy, Honourable Samal Duggins, unveiled this exciting development during the inaugural press conference at the St Kitts Marriott Resort on 11 July 2023.
Reflecting on the department’s inception, Minister Duggins emphasised the need to propel the creative sector forward, ensuring that individuals, particularly those in the creative industry, can harness the economy’s potential.
Minister Duggins expressed that the vision to promote and elevate the creative economy of St Kitts and Nevis has come to fruition.
Acknowledging the prevailing perception of the creative sector as a mere pastime, Minister Duggins expressed his determination to shift this mindset. The term “creative economy” was carefully chosen to underscore the economic value inherent in the Federation’s art and creativity, as part of the social development in the country.
The Minister also expressed his delight with the department’s progress, highlighting the appointment of Roberitine Webbe as the Director.
He commended Ms. Webbe for her exceptional vision and skill set, aligning perfectly with the department’s mission to chart a prosperous course for the creative economy of St Kitts and Nevis.
SIX INNOVATIVE INITIATIVES FOR THE CREATIVE ECONOMY OF ST KITTS AND NEVIS:
1. Creatives ID
This dynamic identification and registration process empower creatives with numerous benefits, including access to training, workshops, duty-free recommendations, employment opportunities, preferential access to talent shows, grants, scholarships, and the creative arts fund.
Registered creatives also gain access to mixers, networking events, promotions, and the creative community feed.
2. Creatives Platform
A dynamic platform that celebrates the talents and contributions of registered creatives, fostering a thriving creative economy through incentives, networking opportunities, verified statuses, and an enhanced online profile interface, country accessibility.
3. Creative Power
The first-ever creatives convention in St Kitts and Nevis, designed to shape the creative economy by facilitating lectures, talent development, seminars, career opportunities, networking, and business development.
4. Appointment of Ambassadors
The Department of Creative Economy appointed ambassadors, including Kervin “Infamous” Benjamin as the Ambassador of Music and Keshan “DJ Tero” Henry as the Cultural Ambassador within the Creative Economy.
5. Creatives Arts Fund
A fund dedicated to stimulating and growing the economic sector of the creative economy.
The fund offers technical aid, product development, and product advancement funds to help creatives advance within the sector.
6. Creative Arts Centre
Proposed as a model for advancing the creative arts, the creative arts centre represents a significant step in promoting tourism and the creative economy of St Kitts and Nevis.
7. ‘Four Minute City’ Initiative
Through ongoing commitment to enhance the creative economy of St Kitts and Nevis, the government is investing in cutting-edge resources to foster the transformation of Basseterre into a pioneering ‘4-minute city’ in the region.
The term ‘4-minute city’ in the context of the creative economy signifies a strategic programme that equips citizens with tools and opportunities to support locals, ensuring their success within four minutes of engagement.
Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, addressed the National Assembly on 30 October 2023, highlighting the government’s initiative to nurture the creative economy.
He mentioned that the journey toward establishing Basseterre as a ‘4-minute city’ began with the acquisition of a state-of-the-art CT scan machine, a 128-slice model.
Honourable Dr. Drew acknowledges the importance of all aspects of St Kitts and Nevis’s economy and demonstrates commitment to its development.
Furthermore, Honourable Dr. Drew revealed plans to establish a catheterisation laboratory, aiming to collaborate with international partners to realise this vision.
This endeavour aligns with the aspiration of creating a ‘4-minute city’ within the creative economy of St Kitts and Nevis, ensuring citizens in Basseterre can also access the support and resources they need within four minutes.
Honourable Dr. Drew emphasised that this initiative includes an extensive educational campaign to engage businesses and the public, empowering them to actively participate in nurturing the creative economy.
The introduction of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to revive the heart of the creative arts will be part of this comprehensive approach.
In Honourable Dr. Drew’s vision, becoming the first ‘4-minute city’ in the Caribbean will benefit Kittians and Nevisians citizens. As well as positioning St Kitts and Nevis as a destination that prioritizes the well-being and prosperity of its social economic development.
The government intends to expand this system to encompass Nevis, further solidifying the region’s commitment to fostering its creative economy.
CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT IN THE CREATIVE ECONOMY OF ST. KITTS AND NEVIS:
Sustainable Island State Contribution
The Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) is an investment option that provides discerning investors the option to contribute to their new nation. The SISC focuses on the economic and social development of the twin island federation. These factors are identified prioritising seven pillars, namely:
- Increasing local food production
- Transitioning to Green Energy
- Diversifying the economy
- Attracting and supporting sustainable industries
- Evolving the Creative Economy
- Recovering from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic
- Expanding social protections and safety nets to protect the most vulnerable
This investment option presents a reliable and sustainable choice for smart investors seeking to make a strategic decision.
All contributions are directed to the Federal Consolidated Fund, ensuring financial stability and security.
Increased Investment in the Arts
The CBI programme generates substantial revenue for St Kitts and Nevis, a portion of which is reinvested in the creative economy.
This funding supports various artistic endeavours, including art festivals, music events, and cultural celebrations, which contribute to the growth and visibility of the local creative community.
Promotion of Cultural Tourism
With an influx of international investors and new citizens through the CBI programme, there’s a growing interest in St Kitts and Nevis as a cultural destination.
This, in turn, encourages the creative economy to thrive by boosting demand for local art, crafts, music, and other cultural products.
Support for Education
The additional financial resources generated by the CBI programme have enabled the government to invest in educational programmes for aspiring leaders and professionals.
Scholarships and grants can be established to nurture local talent and provide opportunities for creative individuals to develop their skills further.
Infrastructure Development
The CBI programme has contributed to infrastructure development in St Kitts and Nevis, including the construction and enhancement of cultural venues, theatres, and creative hubs.
These facilities provide artists and creators with spaces to showcase their work and collaborate on new projects, fostering growth in the creative sector.
Attracting International Artists and Investors
The global appeal of the CBI programme has not only attracted new citizens but also international artists, entrepreneurs, and investors to St Kitts and Nevis.
This influx of diverse perspectives and talents has enriched the local creative ecosystem, leading to collaborations, cross-cultural exchanges, and the introduction of fresh artistic concepts.
Cultural Exchanges and Collaborations
As part of efforts to promote St Kitts and Nevis internationally, the CBI programme can support cultural exchanges and collaborations with other countries.
These exchanges can bring in international artists, showcase local talent abroad, and further enhance the country’s reputation in the global creative arena.
Increased Tourism Revenue
The CBI programme indirectly contributes to the creative economy by bolstering the overall economy of St Kitts and Nevis.
As the nation’s economy grows, more resources become available for investment in the creative arts, including funding for exhibitions, festivals, and cultural initiatives that attract tourists and contribute to the creative economy.
