I S S U E # 3 | J U LY 2 0 1 7
THE TRADE IN SERVICES MAGAZINE OF THE BCSI
shaping our contemporary culture Cultural industries: The Way Forward
Ascention Projix
www.bcsi.org.bb
Quality Standard Mark
20 32 40
2 2
T HTHEEEXPORT E X P O R T E RER
DEREK WIlkie and BCSI FLYER
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EDITORIAL
GRAHAM CLARKE Graham Clarke is a Chartered Marketer and Current Executive Director of BCSI
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We wish to dedicate this edition of the EXPORTER
the cover of this edition two young budding
to the promotion of two important festivals
project company which serves as the talent
which are being celebrated over this summer
brokers for artists, using their networking
- our annual national Crop Over Festival,
skills and creative concepts to find different
which is already in full swing, and the largest
projects through which the artists’ work can
festival for creative goods and services in
be displayed. The EXPORTER also sat down
the Caribbean – CARIFESTA X111, which
with Chetwyn Stewart, a veteran of the Crop
Barbados will host from August 17 – 27, 2017.
Over Festival and Founder of PowerX4 Band to
During CARIFESTA XIII a Market-place for
hear his views on the evolution of the festival.
all creative segments will be held and BCSI
A unique and very interesting article in this
will be sponsoring the participation of two
edition highlights the work of Dr. Che’ Corbin,
international music supervisors for advertising
who practices the art of Traditional Chinese
and movies and hosting a workshop in
Medicine (TCM). Dr. Che’ sees great potential
collaboration with CRS Music on what we call
for trade between Barbados and China in the
‘Conduits to Commerce’ - opportunities for
health and wellness sector as well as other
revenue generation within the music industry.
emerging sectors.
We will also be officially launching the Business
No one knows from where the next BIG idea
of Music (BOM) Regional Training Programme
will emerge - right now that big idea could be
during that workshop. This programme is
lying dormant in one of the remote villages of
for the benefit of artists - musicians, music
this little island – it could be resident within
producers, music performers, songwriters, and
one of our local primary or secondary schools,
those who provide business representation
just waiting for facilitation. That is why we
services to artists operating in countries
need continuous investment by government
served by the Caribbean Network of Service
and the private sector in programmes and
Coalitions (CNSC).
projects that support our artists. And, we
artists - Matthew Gittens and Jabari Alleyne of the Ascension Projix, the art-based creative
do need local delivery of those facilitation In this edition, we are also celebrating all
services to ensure that no artist is left behind
our artists and cultural entrepreneurs and
in the process.
highlighting some of them who are creating new and exciting cultural products and
We
services that with the right combination of
undertaken by the BCSI will go some way
investment, management, marketing and
towards advancing the cause of our cultural
promotion could
reap significant success
practitioners and we look forward to the
in the global marketplace in the future. On
positive impact these initiatives will have on
that note, we are pleased to showcase on
enhancing exports within the sector.
believe
that
the
initiatives
being
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Contents shaping our contemporary culture 06 The Business of Dance 08 The Visual Side of Art 12 Festival Evolution 16 Access: Fashion creative industry 20 Cultural Industries: The Way Forward 22 Traditional Chinese Medicine in Barbados 26 ICT in Music: Areas of Growth 28 CARIFESTA 2017 untold Stories 32 Ascention Projix IN-HOUSE News 36 PitchIT Caribbean 2017 38 Beyond the Border Trade Forum 40 Quality Service Mark: Steps to the Future 41 Cultural Industries Sector Profile Members’ corner 40 Janitorial Services - Assuring Quality 42 The Winning Formula
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shaping our contemporary culture
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Dance is more than an artform.
in Education, Medicine, Cultural and Heritage Studies, Kinesiology and Health and Wellness are some of the areas that the dance entrepreneur can utilise to
The versatility of dance as a commercial
create a viable niche.
tool fits well within the current move towards the development of a cultural and
Dance Education Specialist
creative industry within the Caribbean.
According to Les Vygotsky’s Theory of
Dance, although commonly viewed as an
Constructivist Movement, the arts are
extra- curricular activity, has long been an
instrumental to student development. This
integral contributor to Caribbean cultural
career utilises dance as an educational
economies through areas such as:
tool for learning and reinforcement
national festivals, carnivals, street parties
using dance as an alternative method
and the tourism entertainment industry.
to traditional teaching techniques. This
As the Caribbean forges ahead with the
career sees the dance educator utilising
creative sector, dancers must tap (pun
the art form to teach subject areas such
intended) into not only those careers
as Mathematics, History, Science and
which are customary and familiar, but
Social Studies. The school’s syllabus is
also recognise the unique niche markets
fused with the elements of dance and
that the business of dance can facilitate.
fundamental dance techniques are used
Beyond the boundaries of the studio
as the driving indicators.
owner,
choreographer,
professional
performer and dance instructor, lies
Heritage Dance Specialist
alternative careers which can offer
The use of dance to re-enact and recreate
the
additional
historical and heritage moments in
opportunities for commercial success.
time and interpret exhibits is becoming
These innovative offerings can propel
increasingly popular. This uses dance
industry by marrying the creative and the
once again as a teaching tool, this time
commercial.
utilizing the performance aspect of the
dance
entrepreneur
art form to inform and edify. Museums The fusion of dance with other areas of
around the world such as the Museum of
study is not a new concept, however within
Modern Art in New York and the Walker
the Caribbean, the model is not widely
Art Centre in Minneapolis now offer more
explored
performance spaces as they recognize
thereby
presenting
greater
opportunity for commercial development by budding dance entrepreneurs. Careers
the appeal of “Live Art” to an audience.
the business of dance: Breaking the barrier of extracurricular
alicia payne/hurley Cultural Officer - Dance National Cultural Foundation (NCF)
The business of dance in the Caribbean has great potential for growth into a viable industry.
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Dance Therapist
Dance Fitness Instructor
Expressive or Creative Arts therapy is the use of all
Dance and fitness have shared a long and healthy
creative interventions such as art, music, play and dance/
relationship from the late 1970s, with the introduction of
movement to address social, behavioural, cognitive and
Dancercise, however, the traditional has been repackaged
emotional issues that occur in an individual or a group
with a strong infusion of Caribbean culture breathing new
of persons’ lives. Dance/movement therapy is one facet
life into this field. Soca Aerobics, Wuk-Up Workout and
of expressive arts therapy that can be utilised to assist
Dancehall Fitness are some of the latest crazes to be
individuals - especially adolescents explore their feelings,
successfully promoted within the field.
and manage the radical physical and emotional changes they are experiencing. This type of therapy is useful in
The business of dance in the Caribbean has great
helping young persons with developmental, physical,
potential for growth into a viable industry, whether
medical, social and psychological issues to develop using
pursuing the traditional or non-traditional commercial
dance as a medium for change.
careers, therefore, dancers who live to dance can also prepare to dance for a living.
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... art speaks to what is happening now whether literally or figuratively, we are all condition through time, place as well as our interactions with people and as an artist I find that it shows in my art.
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the
Artof Akilah
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Tell us more about who Akilah Watts is. Akilah Watts is a Barbadian Contemporary Artist. Watts received her Associate Degree in Visual Arts from the Barbados Community College (BCC) in 2014 and went on to complete her Bachelors Degree in Studio
THE ART OF AKILAH
Art in 2017. Akilah Watts has exhibited locally in a number of group shows at the Morningside Gallery, The Frame & Art Co. , Grande Salle, Lion Castle, The Crane Gallery and in several other spaces. She has been featured in a few local publications such as the Easy Magazine in 2016. Watts is currently working simultaneously on two bodies of work. One body of work deals with the projection of Barbadian national identity through cultural symbols. She uses the Mother Sally figure, the Tuk Band, palm trees, the Coat-of-Arms, the Trident, the national colors as well as generic images of the sea and the Barbadian landscape in subversive ways. Her second body of work deals with the black female and how her hair can be seen as a symbol of strength and beauty.
AkilaH Watts In this edition the focus is on ‘Contemporary Culture’, as a Barbadian visual artist, where do you see the place of art Barbadian culture?
Visual Artist
I see art on multiple levels as it relates to Barbadian Culture. One of those levels being documentation. What I mean is that art speaks to what is happening, whether literally or figuratively. We are all conditioned through time, place as well as our interactions with people and as an artist I find that it shows in my art. In a couple of years when people look back at my art some of the questions that are not resolved in our society and in my art, by extension, will either have been answered or it will cause people to ask why things have not changed and hopefully take the steps to improve the society and its circumstances.
What three words would you use to describe Barbados’ Art scene? Fraught, struggling and close-minded would have to be the three words I use for the art scene in Barbados. Although there are people trying and the art scene is seemingly still alive, I feel as though it is alive by extension because of those artists who are already established that are constantly
beautifully braided
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producing work and making a name for themselves here in the region and internationally. The art scene in Barbados is a peculiar thing because as far as some of the nationals believe art is a hobby and the first shows/exhibitions that come to their minds when they think about art in Barbados is NIFCA and the Crop Over exhibition.
Do you think it is sustainable to be a professional artist in barbados? I think it can become a possibility to be a sustainable artist here but at this present moment it is not. It is like putting your eggs in one basket, thinking that you can rest your professional career as an artist on Barbados’ art scene. Until we open up our minds to the greater possibilities of what art can bring to the island, and start treating art and artist like something to be held high on the career/ job spectrum we will be struggling.
What is next for you as an Artist? The next step for me is getting into some art residences, art shows/exhibitions both nationally and regionally and making a name for myself and my art. I hope to bring a little life back to Barbados’ art scene as well as influence Barbadian children and adults as it relates to the value of the arts, and to encourage them should art be a path they would like to pursue.
Where do you see your place in the development of Art Culture in Barbados? At this moment, I see myself as a willing participant in the development and documentation of art culture in Barbados. I see myself continuing to produce work that speaks to Barbadian national identity through cultural symbols, which will play a part in the documentation of past and present art culture in Barbados.
The butterfly effect (series)
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Festival
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Evolution
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Inside of his band house, which just happens to be outfitted with a full sized mattress,
festival evolution
Chetwyn Stewart sits registering one of his patrons for his Foreday Morning Band. Chetwyn needs no introduction, as a long time veteran within the Crop Over realm and the current President of the Barbados Association of Masquerades (BAM), his reputation precedes him. During his busiest time of the year Chetwyn spoke freely to us about how the Crop Over festival has changed over the years. While change is indeed inevitable, not all change is seen as good. One of those changes being the price of costumes. The cost of
Even if prices to us go up, we can’t take up our price because the market wouldn’t sustain it.
playing mas has skyrocketed with revellers paying up to $5,000 for a frontline place within the most desirable party bands. For some this is seen as a small price to pay for the experience and the opportunity to party alongside the stars who travel to our island for Grand Kadooment.
chetwYn Stewart Founder of Power X Four
For others, however, the steady increase in pricing has left them side-lined. “The party bands are now kind of pricing themselves out of the market; they are more targeting the people overseas, so therefore, you find that a lot of the locals are not going on the road for Grand Kadooment.” While not in agreement with this, he notes that it is not only the costume that is being purchased but the entire package inclusive of drinks, sound system and security. PowerX4: The Next Generation is offering patrons a “premium band with affordable prices.” When asked about how the recently increased National Social Responsibility Levy (NSRL) will affect band leaders,
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he spoke about how he anticipated it will
The evolution of carnival costumes is
impact PowerX4.
of course not only seen in Barbados but regionally as well as internationally, in
“We will definitely make less, in other
places such as Brazil whose ‘barley there’
words, we can’t take up our price. Even
costumes are infamous worldwide.
if prices for us go up, we can’t take up our price because the market wouldn’t
It is easy to believe that Crop Over has
sustain it.” Speaking on behalf of the BAM
lost its focus on culture and is now, in
he recently indicated that the increase in
some instances, just straight business
the NSRL tax from two per cent to ten per
although band leaders aren’t entirely
cent could cripple Crop Over especially
to blame as it remains the role of the
since they could not raise their prices to
National Cultural Foundation (NCF) to
offset the tax like other sectors.
ensure that Barbadian culture remains a central focus within the Crop Over
Another way that the festival has
Festival and by extension in the design
changed, much to the dismay of many,
of costumes.
is by the way of costumes. The skimpy
position that enough funds are not being
female costumes have been subject to
invested into the festival to maintain the
much discussions over the years with
cultural aspect.
Chetwyn maintains his
many expressing the view that band leaders are not designing with a cultural
Born out of a group of friends going on
theme in mind. When it comes to the
the road seeking a great time, PowerX4
issue of the skimpy costumes, he said it
has evolved into what he has coined ‘The
is not only up to the band leaders but the
Next Generation’ but, of course, some
people who purchase them.
things will never change as the industry veteran says that the same high energy
“A lot of people think that it’s just up to the
that is brought by the band year after year
band leaders to decide what people wear
will remain a focus. With his daughter set
but you have to give them (the patrons)
to take over full leadership of PowerX4
what they want if not you’re going to be
in the next three years, the EXPORTER
left with costumes.”
cannot wait to see what they get up to next.
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Lucky for us, living in Barbados means never being more than fifteen minutes away from the beach;
couture brand. Originally, the brand was
most of us call it our second home so
women have clothing fit issues too, why
naturally swimwear can be considered a uniform to us. Two of Barbados’ very own Swimwear Designers have been paving their way by using their talent, social media and our beaches to create and display their work. Chenique Jones, currently a student at the London College
of
Fashion
and
Christian
Gibbs best known for her excellently handmade
crochet
swimwear
are
setting trends making a name for themselves in the world of Fashion. The Exporter was honoured to have both girls answer a few questions on their love for creating and design as well as their future.
targeted at the petite woman as I found it extremely difficult to find clothing that would fit me and realised other women may be having similar issues. After showcasing at BMEX in 2012, a lady approached me and said “curvier don’t you make for us too”. Although I did not change my target market initially that conversation resonated with me and I included a plus size section in my 2013 collection Féorce. The brand caters to women of all body types as all of our pieces are bespoke, meaning made to the customer’s individual measurements.
What has been your greatest challenge and then greatest opportunity? Making the decision to place my focus on school (London College of Fashion) entirely for the past three years and close down all social media accounts for the brand even though I knew it was a huge risk with budding brands in Barbados
Tell us more about J’ainique Couture. (Chenique)
on the rise. This meant that once I’ve
J’aiNique is a combination of my
have to build the brand and gain a
middle and first name, the meaning
new clientele. My greatest opportunity
of the brand however Jai is French for
would be attending the London College
I have and couture means to design
of Fashion and being mentored by
fashionable clothes to a client’s specific
the Fashion Contour team. The tutors
requirements
measurements.
and technicians are so passionate
Therefore when combined the name
about Lingerie and swimwear [that] it
says I have one of a kind pieces.
inspires you to want to learn. Earlier
J’aiNique Couture is a bespoke fashion
this year I had the opportunity to attend
and
finished school I would essentially
Access: Fashion
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Interfiliere Paris with one of the tutors and other students [we] networked with individuals across the board in [the] European Fashion industry including designers, buyers, textiles suppliers etc; an experience that I am truly grateful and appreciative of.
Given you would have identified your brand as a bespoke brand, do you see any scope in the future for mass production? Yes I do, that would however require changing the name as I won’t want to contradict myself.
You would have identified closing all social media accounts as a challenge. In general what are thoughts on the impact of social media as it relates to the consumption of cultural goods (fashion) in Barbados? This choice was definitely challenging, as I knew by doing this I would have caused the possibility of us loosing clients. The couture swimwear industry within Barbados is still a very small market and if there is a handful of us, there is a lot. So there is still room for all of us as we each have our own unique touch. As for one example of JNC our prints are one of a kind...designed in house and manufactured in the UK.
Who is Christian Gibbs and how did you get started making swimwear? I am proud 24 year old Queen’s College alumni who creates. I remember having this cool swimsuit design in my mind that I really liked but there was no one here who could make it for me the way I wanted. I decided to attempt making it and after turning 3 tops into knots, I successfully made it and I’ve been turning my crochet hook ever since. What is the greatest challenge you have faced with your designs? The availability of materials here is very limited and proves to be my greatest challenge. However, that has been an easy fix since I order what I can’t get here from international websites.
Where do you see your business in 5 years? In 5 years, I hope that people all over the world can spot my designs from a mile away and instantly know that “Krishtun made that”! Everything is currently made to order but I hope to have a physical store with items that are ready to purchase on hand.
Do you feel there is room for your growth in Fashion Industry here? There are so many talented young people who don’t get the exposure they deserve here. There’s a lot of quality work being produced but very few outlets to display or put them in the public’s view. I believe with the right funding and opportunities offered, our fashion industry can be as big as our growing music industry.
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CREATIVE INDUSTRy
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Two factors have influenced recent developments in the cultural industries sector. Firstly, the need to diversify the Barbados economy became very urgent after the global financial and economic crisis took root in 2008; the cultural industries were identified
Cultural industries: the way forward
as one element of the “new economy�. Secondly, there is the CARICOM agreement to pursue the services sector, of which the cultural industries is a critical part. Barbados had also begun to pay closer attention to the creative sector. The success enjoyed by artistes like Rhianna, Shontelle, Livvy Franc and Hal Linton was a clear indication that closer and more strategic attention should be paid to its development. The phenomenon of the annual Crop Over Festival and the lesser known financial successes of some visual artists had long presented a compelling argument that a well-supported cultural industries sector had the ability to generate significant employment and foreign exchange. The evolution of Crop Over, which provides state-supported vehicles for the development and evolution of soca music, presented opportunities to enhance Barbados’
andrea king Director, Cultural Industries Development Authority
competitiveness in the international arena in festivals and music. Empirical data in the most recent study on the sector, the SALISES Economic Impact Assessment of the Crop Over Festival 2005-2007, and many sectoral studies done by Dr. Keith Nurse, also encouraged Barbados to reposition the sector. In the interest of becoming a catalyst in the development of the diversified economy, a National Policy for the Cultural Industries was developed in 2007. Out of this the Cultural Industries Development Act was passed in the House of Assembly in October 2013, the Senate in the following month and was proclaimed on February 1st,
carifesta xiii & BCIDA Currently, there are specific interventions in Fashion and Visual Arts, and a MarketPlace for all creative segments in the upcoming CARIFESTA XIII, which runs from August 17 to 27, 2017.
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It is therefore the vision of BCIDA to develop increasing export and trade activity in creative goods and services.
2015. The Act provided for a suite of tax-
paid to developing sustainability through
based incentives and funding for cultural
each part of the production value-chain.
practitioners, as well as the Barbados
Growth will be further inhibited by low
Cultural Industries Development Authority
levels of entrepreneurship and, while there
(BCIDA) to implement the Act.
is now academic qualification in the arts, there are very low levels of business skills
Barbados’ heavy social investment in free
applied to the development of this sector.
education, which enabled Art and Music to be always on primary and secondary
BCIDA has sought to address this in
curricula, has played a critical role in
its
preparing our nation for this new sector.
one initiative called PITCH, which is
That education now includes degrees in
designed to help creatives understand
Arts and Entertainment Management,
the financial anatomy of their businesses,
Fine Arts, Film and Theatre at the tertiary
identify their market and convey this
institutions. These current developments
information in a business plan to potential
in education and policy, coupled with other
investors/ financiers. BCIDA has also
strategic financial interventions, will propel
been conducting market research in
the cultural industries sector to become a
the USA, the UK and other parts of the
key economic driver.
European Union. A Film Commission has
It is, therefore, the vision of BCIDA to
been established to promote Barbados
develop increasing export and trade
as a destination for on-location filming of
activity in creative goods and services,
ads, films and television series. Currently,
through implementing effectively designed
there are specific interventions in Fashion
strategies
business
and Visual Arts, and a Market-place for
practices, and promotion and marketing of
all creative segments in the upcoming
Barbados’ creative cultural goods, services
CARIFESTA XIII, which runs from August
and experiences.
17 to 27, 2017.
The
for
sustainable
sector’s
practitioners
strengths various
through
The current development of the sector will intensify with the report of the Mapping of
digitalisation
the Cultural Industries. This document will
and strong internet connectivity. With
help to inform the strategic management
the help of funding opportunities made
of the sector, including an identification of
available through local, regional and
opportunities and challenges as well as
international programmes, the sector
the resources that must be deployed in
can grow. However, this growth will be
getting the cultural industries to achieve
severely handicapped if attention is not
their full potential.
increasing
stages
especially
of
development,
at
include
programming,
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the art of healing
traditional chinese medicine Dr. ChĂŠ Leon C Corbin Chinese Medical Practitioner
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It may come as a surprise to many here in Barbados,
recommendation of Chinese taiji, meditation and
that we have Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
general health preservation practices.
catch a draft” of Barbados and “avoid the wind as you avoid the sword (避风如避剑)” health
and many other related therapies readily available to both locals and visitors.
China and Barbados have both preserved grassroots practices such as eating certain dishes in respect
Looking deeper we find similarities in the traditional
of relevant days on the lunar calendar and the
health practices of Barbados and China. We find
knowledge regarding the coordination of farming
within the old sayings similarities such as “don’t
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practices in relation to the seasons and the turning of the earth. This is the practice of “health cultivation” by which health is regarded as a garden to be continually maintained and enhanced in accordance with the cycles of life. Many traditionalists consider this a higher form of medicine, whereby one visits the health practitioner to maintain and enhance one’s health as opposed to awaiting the onset of a disease or condition which perhaps could have been prevented by promoting stronger immune function, and strategic lifestyle changes. Chinese and Western medicine are more or less the same, in fact any medicinal, or therapeutic, healing technique applied with the principal of building up the individual’s own strength while expelling the unwanted 扶正祛邪(fu zheng qu xie), to restore balance, would be considered fully in keeping with Chinese medicine principles including psychology, and physiotherapy. The only difference being diagnostic and therapeutic tools. In fact, in this modern era, Chinese medicine practitioners do not shun from modern diagnostics such as x-rays,
In essence most of Chinese medicine is simply physics and the body’s natural selfrejuvenating reaction to relevantly applied stimulation.
blood work etc. Increasingly across the globe, western medicine practitioners are also taking on an understanding of TCM. In some techniques such as “dry needling”, we can also see the impact of TCM on western medicine. The majority of hospitals where I would have interned in China have both traditional and modern medicine side by side. The success of any healing discipline at the end of the day relies heavily on the practitioner. An integrated approach has become quite popular here in Barbados.
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Many Bajans and Asians alike have
Chinese medicine has been shrouded
found renewed vigor in the pursuit of
in mystery for many years. In essence,
health and well-being. Technological
most of Chinese medicine is simply
advances allow scientists even keener
physics and the body’s natural self-
insights, which increasingly support
rejuvenating
TCM and related physiotherapy and
applied stimulation, which can be
health practices. Often it is the desire of
achieved by various techniques. I once
a patient to avoid particular medicines
asked an old Chinese medicine doctor,
due
which
“Shifu, if you could give one piece of
then lead them to seek lesser known
advice beneficial to all for promotion
methods such as acupuncture, fire
of good health, what would it be? Shifu
cupping, dietary variations, tai chi and
said, ”maintain happiness, balanced
related forms of traditional exercise.
lifestyle and eat more vegetables.”
Here in Barbados, we can now access
The study of life, the rebalancing and
Chinese cultural teaching through the
optimising of health and well-being will
Confucius Institute at UWI Cave Hill,
continue to be a major interest as it is
where you can also access language
the requirement for achieving all else.
to
personal
conditions
classes and scholarship information. Barbadians can participate and learn with the islands Chinese martial arts and Taiji clubs, or seek out the advice and therapies of our local acupuncture, tuina (Chinese medicine massage), iris diagnosis, reflexology and those with detailed knowledge of the practical use of medicinal herbs.
reaction
to
relevantly
Health, happiness and balance!
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The music business and indeed the entire entertainment industry are highly ICT in Music: areas of dependent on the use of technology. growth
From idea conceptualization to composition and production and finally market distribution and marketing, there are a large number of software tools (Pro Tools & Logic Audio), electronic devices (Mac/Laptop, synthesizers, drum machines, samplers) and services (YouTube/Vevo, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) utilised by industry professionals and hobbyists to render creative ideas into tangible creative products and then attract consumers to the said products. These tools and services are so readily available at low cost that almost anyone here in Barbados can produce music from their bedrooms, and many Crop Over tunes have been and still are created in this manner. Distribution and Marketing are activities at the money-making end of the creative spectrum, and there are indeed a large number of options for this. There are content aggregators such as Tunecore & CDBABY, which will place music onto a large number of distribution platforms such as iTunes, Amazon, SoundCloud, Spotify, Deezer and so on. The idea of building a local platform is a tantalizing one, and indeed this writer launched the first legal music download website dedicated to Caribbean music (gotrhythm.com) over 12 years ago. Gotrhythm gained great traction worldwide in a relatively short space of time, and at its peak recorded over ten thousand unique visitors per
day. Despite this “success”, the cost of attracting customers was very high
george thomas
and the ability to get them to purchase was very low. Gotrhythm’s biggest
President, The Association of Music Entrepreneurs
customer was from Japan and this person purchased over 80 downloads in a single transaction and several others over time. A DJ who was “Otaku” about Caribbean vibes. Generally speaking, people just do not buy music when they can get it for free! Another key issue was the lack of local e-commerce platforms, this forced Gotrhythm to use PayPal and this decision turned out to be an unfortunate one, as Paypal ultimately blocked Gotrhythm because of “too many non-North American transactions”, and this effectively killed the initiative. In 2017, music is mostly streamed as opposed to downloaded. This has a devastating effect on music sales revenue, because unlike the download
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business model where a customer was charged
local musicians to leverage existing platforms
US 99 cents to download and the artist can
which have hundreds of millions of consumers
make 70-80% of that, streaming models are
from across the planet, and be very clever with
subscription-based. For example, by paying
their marketing tactics by using methods such
$9.95 monthly, a consumer can stream as many
as payment for listings on industry blogs, top
tracks as they wish. In the streaming model, the
playlists and the use of professional digital
artist will be paid a percentage of the service
marketing services and publicists.
provider’s revenue for that time period which is proportional to the number of times their song
With all that said, a local digital platform could be
is streamed.
a useful tool to market or represent the island’s
To gain more context on the effort required to make money online please take a look at http://www. digitalmusicnews.com/2016/09/15/streamingmusic-earn-1-dollar/
culture from both tourism and an international music industry perspective. In my opinion this would be a B2B play in that the platform would be directly marketed to travel agencies, music supervisors for advertising and movies, record
Streaming has effectively killed music sales
labels, production companies, booking agencies,
revenue, and the digital music distribution
music festival promoters and concert promoters.
platforms are just marketing tools for all but the
The business owner of the digital platform should
very largest entertainment acts such as Rihanna,
have direct agreements with these tourism and
Adele, Taylor Swift, Drake and Justin Bieber,
music business entities, with an understanding
just to name a few, who’s hundreds of millions
that the platform represents an online “shopping
of fans provide economies of scale that make
list” of sorts. On a secondary level, there could
streaming profitable for them. The key attribute
be a retail play in which the platform could also
of these systems is discovery by large numbers
be used to submit music to the major online
of persons distributed all around the globe, and
distributors. A digital marketing service provider
the reporting analytics they provide which can be
could then be engaged individually by the artists/
leveraged to fine-tune your marketing strategy.
music producers to drive fans to the music. From
It is not economically feasible to invest in a pure
my perspective that is the only business model
play Barbadian music retail platform at this time
that could possibly gain some traction and add
because the costs of driving global attention to
quantifiable value. The direct B2C model just
this platform will never be recovered via music
won’t work financially and adoption will be low
sales. Would you build a Facebook, Instagram
because it is competing for consumer attention
or SnapChat just for Barbadian people? No,
against the globally established incumbents
because it would never gain the adoption of
which have spent, and continue to spend, vast
Facebook, Instagram or SnapChat. It’s best for
amounts on customer acquisition and retention.
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CARIFESTA 2017 Asserting our Culture, Celebrating Ourselves
Barbados has the distinguished pleasure & privilege of hosting the 13th edition of the Caribbean Festival of Arts, CARIFESTA in August. Over 4,000 artists, artistes and artisans are expected to participate within our shores under the theme, “Asserting our Culture, Celebrating Ourselves”, on what has been called the largest exchange of creative flows within the Caribbean and Latin America. CARIFESTA closely follows our Sweetest Summer Festival, Crop Over however; CARIFESTA differs from Crop Over in that CARIFESTA is the gathering of 23 Caribbean and Latin American countries, whose participants have the opportunity to showcase a wide array of cultural disciplines inclusive of dance, music, theatre arts, traditional culinary cuisine and visual arts, just to name a select few.
BCSI SECRETARIAT
A series of events will be held over the festival’s period which includes: • The Opening Ceremony • A Grand Market and Buyers Shopping Mall • CARIFESTA XXIII Symposium • Country Night • Super Concerts • Dance –‘Danse Caraibes’ • Literature- ‘A Literary Evening’ • Visual Arts- ‘Masters Exhibition’ With Crop Over being held from May 14th – August 7th and CARIFESTA from August 17th – August 27th, it is shaping up to be the “Biggest summer for Caribbean Culture”!
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WE DO: BRANDING CREATIVE STRATEGY WEB DESIGN
let’s talk. 1 (246)
547 8419 idscreativeinc hello@idscreativeinc.com www.idscreativeinc.com
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untold stories
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Difficult times bring urgent art.
Ascension Projix is a company seeking to create sustainable livelihoods for local artists
reshape our contemporary culture over time, by finding unique
by aligning them with business opportunities to increase their
Our first project saw us creating glass art photo-ops for Piper
profitability. There is a wealth of artistic talent here on this island,
Heidsieck, Johnnie Walker Blue and ICBL at Elevate Suit and Tie
extending beyond depictions of sugar cane and chattel houses, and
Old Year’s Night last year. This led us to do further event branding
we find ways to utilise these skills to meet the needs of corporate
throughout the year, utilising Kevon “Von” Hall’s graphic design
Barbados. We also provide artists interested in launching projects
skills to create varying pieces for creative marketing for different
or ventures outside their everyday operations with technical
corporate clients. Last summer for the first time in Barbados, we
support to meet their goals. All in all, we simply want to make art
were able to have a full free art exhibit in a heavily frequented
visible.
space, where we partnered with Sky Mall to launch their 50th
methods of having art featured and used in our everyday spaces, so that it becomes a new norm in Barbadian life.
Independence Art Installation entitled, “Dis Is Where We From”. All As much as this business was born out of a love for all things
throughout the mall were sculptures, photographs, canvas, print
Barbadian, it was also formed out of a genuine and burning
work and replicas depicting cultural highlights of our Barbadian
concern. With a population overflowing with artistic talent, there
heritage. They were coupled with their historical write-ups obtained
is a blatant lack of respect and appreciation for homegrown art
through research and interviews with historian Mr. Trevor Marshall,
in different forms. Ascension Projix is, therefore, determined to
which provided opportunities for important dialogue among
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We can be reached by e-mail at ascension.projix@gmail.com or by telephone at 257-8241/829-7507.
generations of Bajans to learn and share points
for large art installations and whole sides of
on our culture. Another project with a similar
buildings are covered in murals. This should
goal saw us designing the first underwater
be included in our plans for development as
sculpture and artificial reef for Carlisle Bay,
a nation. One project Ascension is launching
depicting a 16ft canoe carrying an Amerindian
entitled, “Make Art Visible”, intends to spur
family across the sea. This sculpture, fabricated
this by creating one mural and one large
by Konstruk Caribbean, was scheduled to ‘drop’
installation in each parish. We also plan to hold
last November, however, we still await approval
contemporary art shows featuring art of varying
from some government agencies.
media, including innovative elements in the show to captivate the audience, as well as other
So much can be done to empower local artists,
culturally uplifting initiatives. All of our projects
as that is at the core of each endeavor we
provide income and exposure for the artists
undertake as a business, but relaxing this
involved, and require funding and involvement
challenge of red tape from government entities
from government and corporate Barbados, who
related to creative projects and increasing
can benefit greatly from the “stop and stare”
financial support from corporate Barbados
factor art naturally provides for marketing, as
would assist greatly. In Europe and North
well as general cultural stimulation.
America corporations pay thousands of dollars
Ascension Projix, the art-based creative project company, comprises of Matthew Gittens, the budding, detailoriented entrepreneur who conceptualized the company, and Jabari Alleyne, Economics and Mathematics graduate and former Fuel Oil Trading Operator for Shell Western Supply & Trading Ltd., who serve as the talent brokers for the artists, using their networking skills and creative concepts to find different projects through which the artists’ work can be displayed.
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in-house news
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GOING DIGITAL Program Coordinator Liana Welch with BCSI supported winners Heather and Elijah
The digital App Industry has taken the world by storm.
BCSI Secretariat
New age mobile applications are all the rage and Apps that can assist in making the everyday life of users just a little easier are very desirable. The PitchIT Caribbean challenge falls under The Caribbean Mobile Innovation Project (CMIP) and the challenge is specifically designed to strengthen the Caribbean mobile innovation ecosystem while enabling the sustainability and competitiveness of mobile entrepreneurs. The Barbados Coalition of Service Industries (BCSI) supported
seven
mobile
technology
entrepreneurs
throughout their PitchIT experience, providing them with technical assistance from industry professionals, targeted coaching sessions, training courses and boot camps all aimed at preparing them along with their mobile app businesses for market readiness. On Saturday May 13th, The BCSI in collaboration with the PitchIT Caribbean project, rolled out the PitchIT Caribbean Battle. This battle allowed seven Technology Entrepreneurs from Barbados, Antigua and Suriname, the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of esteemed judges for their chance to win a coveted spot in the PitchIT Caribbean Final in St. Kitts & Nevis. The PitchIT Battle was divided into two separate tracts with the first one being Ideation. In this phase, participants
The Barbados Coalition of Service Industries (BCSI) supported seven mobile technology entrepreneurs throughout their PitchIT experience,
p
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would have developed an innovative application based
announce that two of our supported entrepreneurs won
business idea within the last six months but have not
top prizes in the challenge. Heather Barker and Elijah
yet implemented their idea, essentially still being within
James walked away with USD $5,000 in seed funding for
the planning stages of their business. The second
the development of their mobile businesses. In addition
tract, was Early-Stage. Within this phase, participants
to this, the pair has been awarded places in PitchIT
developed innovative business ideas within the last
Caribbean accelerators throughout the Caribbean.
eighteen months and unlike in the ideation phase, have experienced some early success after having launched
Heather’s app, titled Isle&Dine, is described as the Air
their business. Competitors rolled out their plans
B&B of food. The user is allowed to book authentic
for new age Apps, with ideas ranging from in-home
meals in local homes. Users can also sign up to be
Caribbean dining experiences to directly connecting
hosts and prepare tasty local dishes for their guests.
buyers with sellers. The ideas were nothing short of
Isle&Dine offers a unique and authentic way for tourists
innovative. At the end of the battle, Phillip Belgrave with
and locals alike to experience the culinary culture of
his mobile app Pocket Shop, emerged the winner of the
Barbados. Elijah describes The Local App as a portal by
ideation phase while Elijah Belgrave from Antigua &
which users can access local information anywhere in
Barbuda took the top prize for the early-stage category
the world. Whether in Antigua, Barbados or across the
with The Local App. Both Phillip and Elijah won places in
world in China, users can enjoy access to news, weather,
the final PitchIT Competition. Another BCSI supported
events, phone directories, TV
entrepreneur, Heather Barker from ISLE&DINE also
entertainment and more.
and radio, nightlife,
secured her position in the final. The CMIP is providing technology entrepreneurs with From June 12th to the 16th, tech entrepreneurs from
the opportunity to take mobile innovation culture in the
all across the Caribbean region gathered in St. Kitts
Caribbean to a new level. BCSI is proud to have been a
& Nevis to participate in a week of activities which
part of this and we look forward to the success of all
culminated with the PitchIT Challenge. BCSI is proud to
winners and participants of the PitchIT Challenge.
t i h c pit
PitchIT Caribbean Winners receiving their awards.
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THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES a brief review of the recent jointly hosted workshop by the Barbados Coalition of Service Industries (BCSI), the Barbados Private Sector Trade Team and the Ministry of Industry, International
Business,
Commerce
and Small Business Development on the CARIFORUM/EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and Brexit. Beyond
This workshop was entitled, the
Border:
A
practical
approach to economic sustainability. Conceptually, this forum was designed for technocrats to solicit from the
private sector, a new mandate to reset their work programme. A new mandate was considered to be necessary in an effort to make the EPA
beyond the border trade forum
work for Barbadian enterprises given the various developments in the world and domestic economies since 2008. This workshop featured presentations from
a
variety
of
organisations
giving an update EU-CARICOM trade under the EPA such as, the European Union Delegation to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, the Office of Trade Negotiations of the CARICOM Secretariat
and
the
Barbados
elihu wahid Projects Officer, Trade Policy and Research
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Statistical Service. In addition, this workshop also featured presentations by private sector companies which were successful in penetrating the European market. However, the main highlight of this workshop came in the form of a roundtable discussion on Brexit which featured many present and past high-ranking trade officials such as Ambassador Gail Mathirin of the OTN and former Ambassador of Barbados to the European Union and head of the EPA Implementation Unit, Errol Humphrey. The main takeaway from this discussion, however, is that Brexit is not a development to be feared but an opportunity for the region to extend its development paradigm.
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Trade is a vital tool for economic development in any Small Island Developing State
(SIDS), so much so that trade in services is a key component for generating government revenue especially in Caribbean countries that depends heavily on tourism such as Barbados.
QUALITY standard mark
Yet, Trade in services is not acknowledged as one of the leading drivers of the today’s economy. The importance of services has continued to be overlooked and repudiated over the years, therefore it is imperative for organizations such as the Barbados Coalition of Services Industry (BCSI) to emphasize the importance and the impact of the Services Sector to our economy. Services undisputable contribution to economic welfare of Caribbean countries is noteworthy. However, the issue of measurement and the form in which services data is presented limits the extent to which an accurate picture can be presented of the contribution of services to national income. In addition, the concern of ensuring that high quality standards are maintained throughout the region is another road block for trade in services. Services unlike goods, because of its intangible nature, are very difficult to track and capture. Nevertheless, an attempt can be made to maintain a certain level of quality from service providers. This can be done via a Quality Standard Mark. The Barbados Quality Standard Mark (QSM) functions as a standard qualification seal that will be awarded to organizations which have met the required standard in service delivery. The QSM will ensure that good quality services can be recognized regionally and internationally. It offers service providers the ability to validate their competence and quality standards within their organization by proving credibility, accountability and visibility.
Shekita Walcott Assistant Project Officer
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Quality marks are built on quality management systems which are “a set of co-ordinated activities to direct and
Registration Requirements
control an organization in order to continually improve
Organizations desirous of applying to be awarded the seal
the effectiveness and efficiency of it performance” (UK
will be required to undergo a registration process which
Department of Trade and Industry, 2000).
includes: • Validation by National Association
Thus, in a world that is becoming globalized and with the
• Completion of registration form
new technological advances it is important to ensure that
• Submission of registration and recommendation of the
the standards continues to meet changing market needs.
organization • BCSI’s formal acceptance of registration
How to apply for the QSM seal?
Further information on how to apply for the QSM and the accompanying documentation will be posted on the BCSI’s website.
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MEMBERS’ CORNER
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Cleaning is a part of Barbadian culture. From weekly house cleaning on Saturdays, to ‘picking’ down the house on Christmas Eve and cleaning from top to bottom‌ we love a clean home. When it comes to the world of Professional Cleaning, however, there is a higher standard that needs to be observed. The Barbados Association of Professional Cleaners (BAPC), is a body
cleanliness: a hidden industry in barbados
dedicated to the improvement of the standards of the environmental cleaning services sector, for both practitioners and consumers alike in Barbados. One of our main objectives is to ensure that all environmental cleaning sector service providers adhere to high industry standards and this can be achieved through our collaborative effort with the TEVT Council and the Small Business Association (SBA) with the creation of the Janitorial Level 2 Training Program. Forty (40) cleaning industry professionals participated in this pilot programme that was aimed at becoming advantageous to business owners, cleaning professionals and the cleaning industry, by raising the standard by which professional cleaning is judged here in Barbados. This programme was a huge step for the BAPC as an association and an even greater step forward for the Professional Cleaning Sector. With the completion of this pilot programme, we are expecting that other industry professionals will be afforded the opportunity to become qualified in the Janitorial Level 2, thereby, driving the sector in the right direction.
Barbados association of professional cleaners
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The programme was rolled out in two phases, the theoretical and the practical. The practical side of the training programme was taught by several established industry professionals and business owners with many years of experience, who are also members of the association of professional cleaners. Trainers taught
and
reinforced
correct
cleaning
practices to the participants such as correct waste disposal, usage and storage of cleaning equipment, protective personal equipment and floor cleaning just to name a few. We welcome you to visit our Facebook page where you can browse through our history and follow all news related to the Janitorial Level 2 Training Programme as well as all of our initiatives. We have so much more in store for the Professional Cleaning Industry in Barbados.
Working together to educate, as well as to improve the standards of the environmental cleaning services for both practitioners and customers BENCHMARKING To ensure that all environmental cleaning sector service providers adhere to high industry standards ADVOCACY To be the primary advocate for the creation of an effective environmental cleaning sector LEADERSHIP To be a service leader in all environmental cleaning EDUCATION To educate members and the public Email: bapcgroup@gmail.com Tel: (246) 429-5357
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Have you ever heard of James Sider? He is the Founder and CEO of BandPage, one of the most popular music applications on Facebook, which has been able to raise to date up to $19M USD. What about Naom Bardin, the creator of Waze? It’s a real-time crowdsourced tracking application that helps you pick the fastest route on the road to your destination. Waze is currently valued at a whopping $1.3B USD! Both entrepreneurs are products of the well-known Silicon Valley, but when we think of
The winning formula: a robust entrepreneurship ecosystem.
stories like theirs, we can’t help but wonder what ingredients and conditions led to their success.
The prevailing question is how exactly do we chart a path to the development of a vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem in Barbados?
There
isn’t
one
particular
component
which
stimulates
entrepreneurship but rather an amalgamation of several factors which result in a successful venture. Nevertheless, Barbados’ goal should be to produce an ecosystem of elements that work in tandem to support an ample number of high-growth self-sustaining businesses with extensive economic impact. For quite some time now, entrepreneurship has been viewed as one of the strongest propellers of growth of the Barbados economy. It has evolved into a catalyst of change deemed to bring new opportunities
Liana Welch
to an under-performing economy. Both the government and the
Project Officer, Barbados Coalition of Service Industries (BCSI)
private sector have recognised entrepreneurship as a driver for social and economic transformation. However, there remains a certain level of uncertainty amongst us about the construction of applicable plans, policies and culture to create an entrepreneurial spirit amongst our people. The prevailing question is how exactly do we chart a path to the development of a vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem in Barbados? What are the basic principles and concepts which should be established? Here is my take on our approach.
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1. Assessing our current entrepreneurship ecosystem
2. Create an ecosystem map.
Isenberg, 2011 describes an entrepreneurship ecosystem using six
After identifying the structure of the
domains: Policy, Human Capital, Markets, Finance, Culture and Support
ecosystem, we need now take a look at
Professions.
We first need to holistically assess the strengths and
its content. Who are the participants
weaknesses of our current ecosystem and then the respective impact
within the ecosystem and how are they
on the entrepreneurs. If you are an entrepreneur living and operating in
connected? One of the most crucial
Barbados and you are reading this, what is your opinion of the financial
tasks is to define what a successful
opportunities readily available for you? Are support programmes and
entrepreneurship
existing policies efficiently tailored to address your needs? Are there
embody for a 21st century Barbados.
sufficient regulatory and legal frameworks put in place to impact the level
Each entrepreneurship ecosystem is
of entrepreneurship in Barbados? These are all questions we have to ask
unique to its jurisdiction and should,
ourselves, and more importantly, seek out our Barbadian entrepreneurs
therefore, be treated as such.
for the answers. Answers to these questions would definitively aid in
Relevant stakeholders should include
addressing any weaknesses within the ecosystem and certainly pave the
policy makers, educational institutions,
way for the implementation of practically focused policies. Undoubtedly,
financial
institutions,
entrepreneurs,
none of this can be achieved without the support and leadership from all
business
support
organisations,
stakeholders within the ecosystem.
non-governmental and
ecosystem
organisations
development
importantly,
would
agencies.
programmes
More
amongst
the aforementioned stakeholders need to take on an integrated approach to servicing the needs of the entrepreneurs. This should be strengthened by clearly defined roles to be played by each organisation
and
stakeholder
within
the ecosystem. With limited resources available, efficiency is key. This would, therefore, call for a realignment and rationalisation amongst a number of firms.
3. Study best practices from around the world. There is absolutely no need to totally reinvent the wheel. There are some existing entrepreneurship
ecosystem
models
that have been reasonably successful
The Entrepreneurship Ecosystem (Adapted from Babson Global titled “Domains of the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem,�, 2011)
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in producing top performing entrepreneurs. We can
for Barbados, our focus and efforts should be to pursue
learn from some of the best practices from around the
sectors for early success and build upon these to create
world without emulating them. The idea is to create an
sound programmes.
environment where entrepreneurs can flourish and grow as a result of better access to finance, improved support
In summary, we know that entrepreneurship can elevate
for new businesses, greater ease of doing business and
Barbados’ social and economic development, while
clearer regulations.
creating jobs and wealth. A supportive framework is,
Great models for success include countries like Israel,
therefore, essential. The emergence of a strong, healthy,
Germany and Ireland whose ecosystems have been
robust entrepreneurship ecosystem should take priority
developed to support specific sectors. For example, in
as a national economic development strategy. Needless
Germany, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research
to say, much of the framework already exists in Barbados.
launched BioRegio, an ecosystem targeted at promoting
It is now a matter of assessing where we are, engaging
creativity and collaborations in life sciences.
stakeholders by defining their roles and to integrate these elements into the ecosystem.
If we are successful at being creative with our local assets and strengths, an emerging niche entrepreneurial
We should also accelerate and promote success stories
ecosystem could produce more high growth businesses.
within Barbados. Nothing succeeds like success. Bringing
Currently, our strengths lie in a robust creative sector.
local wins to the fore can be a source of inspiration. Even
Additionally, our renewable energy sector has been making
better, successful entrepreneurs can share their learning
some waves for quite some time. I can’t neglect to mention
and experiences with others. This can immensely help to
the ICT sector which has also shown great potential. After
spur broad- based entrepreneurship.
envisioning the entrepreneurship ecosystem appropriate
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Global Picture
Opportunities
Cultural and creative industries (CCI) is a term
In November 2013, the Government of Barbados
used to describe economic activity in the arts.
passed the Cultural Industries Development Act
Using a broad definition of the arts, this term
which initiated fiscal incentives for the cultural
refers to music, literary arts, advertising, gaming,
and creative sector in Barbados. Under this
festivals, visual arts, performing arts, audio-
act, enterprises are encouraged to apply for a
visual media, radio and fashion and design. It
licence from the Minister of Culture. With such
is estimated that this sector contributes USD
a license, enterprises may apply for incentives
$2.3 Trillion to the global economy. Further, of
as it relates to all duties and taxes payable on
this figure, it is estimated that USD $124 billion
imported inputs. Further this act allows for
originates in the Caribbean and Latin America.
approved enterprises and/or projects to earn
CULTURAL INDUSTRIES SECTOR PROFILE
tax credit on marketing, training, investment and dividend payments .
Barbados
elihu wahid
Given that the total GDP in Barbados is only USD
Projects Officer, Trade Policy and Research
$4.5 billion, by merely tapping into the global
Challenges
market in a marginal way, there is tremendous
Some Cultural Practitioners have pointed out
scope for Barbados to exponentially grow the
that there are certain administrative difficulties
Barbadian economy. The most comprehensive
as it relates to accessing these incentives.
study of the contribution of the CCI in Barbados
Further on an institutional level, there remains
is the NCF sponsored economic Impact
a very large problem as it relates to the access
assessment of Crop Over 2005-2007. Under
to finance for entrepreneurs in the CCI. Given
this study it is estimated that the festival
the nature of their operations, which may tend
contributed BBD $56 million to the Barbadian
to be not very capital intensive, often CCI actors
economy in 2007. Taking the rises in the retail
or not able to secure the necessary financing
price index, it is estimated that in 2015 the
as a result of a lack of collateral. One means
festival contributed at least BBD $70 million.
of remedying this problem is for financial institutions to use the intellectual property of these persons as collateral. However, at the moment, financial institutions in Barbados do not seem to be very keen on this alternative.
12 Cultural times: the first global map of cultural and creative industries, EY, 2015 3 Moore, Winston and Jewel Brathwaite. “The Economics of Crop Over.� Economic Insight Issue 2. 4 Cultural Development Industries Act 2013-15
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BUILDING BUSINESSES. SUPPORTING SERVICES. EXPORTING EXCELLENCE.
Barbados Coalition of Service Industries (BCSI) Building #3 Unit 2B Harbour Industrial Estate Telephone: 1 (246) 429-5357 Fax: 1 (246) 429-5352 E-mail: info@bcsi.org.bb Website: http://www.bcsi.org.bb