The Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC) Government is committed and supportive of the cultural sector in Solomon Islands.
This was the words of the Minister for Culture and Tourism, Bartholomew Parapolo when presenting his keynote speech during the official launching of the International Museum Day on Thursday.
He said, that the DCC government strongly believes that culture has the potential to impact the Solomon Islands economy and the everyday lives of its citizens.
“We (DCCG) strongly believe that cultural and creative industries have the potential to impact our local economy and the daily lives of our people.
“If properly enhanced and promoted, culture and creative industries may provide an alternative model of development to the extractive industries like mining and logging,” Mr Parapolo stated.
He further highlighted the DCCG policy statement saying that the government is committed to support the idea to improve the culture of Solomon Islands.
“In our policy statement, I am pleased to say that the DCCG is committed to support the idea to develop, protect and promote Solomon Islands’ culture, art and heritage.
“Hence, as partners in development, we must; (i) encourage the active participation of Solomon Islanders in cultural industries.
(ii) Ensure that the culture sector is supported as a vital economic sector (that is suitable).
(iii) Facilitate the effective participation of traditional institutions in the formal governance processes of the culture sector.
(iv) Encourage and promote the teaching and transmission of culture, arts and traditional knowledge to younger generations, and
(v) Foster the protection, preservation, revival and promotion of Solomon Islands heritage, indigenous cultures, art and traditional knowledge,” the MP for Ngella Constituency highlighted.
Meanwhile, Mr Parapolo said that he is confident that his Ministry will continue to be inclusive in its decision making, building confidence in societies throughout the country and ensure that they lay significant platform for future development.
By RONALD TOITO’ONA
