Cultural industries should make an impact on the island, Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie said during the official opening of the Bahamas Business Outlook Grand Bahama on Thursday, March 17.
Following a beautiful rendition of the nation's National Anthem and the Our Father Prayer by the Grand Bahama Children's Choir, directed by Kevin Tomlinson, the moderator of the event stated that the choir was looking for donations to purchase equipment.
While addressing the business people present, Mr. Christie encouraged the group to encourage the talented people of the island. "There is a significant amount of money to be made by persons who are gifted in singing, acting, writing and in the arts. This is a part of cultural industries, and then you add sports to it.
"When you look at what Grand Bahama is producing in sports, you see the basis of mega earnings."
In the CARICOM region, for The Bahamas tourism and cultural activities are pivotal; as such, Prime Minister Christie said it is important to recognize the potential of talented people.
He said, "As small as you are relative to New Providence, you are producing athletes and sporting figures -- Buddy Hield, for example, by the Grace of God, is already a millionaire just by being healthy and remaining healthy for the next few months. That is talent that exists and was nurtured here. And, there are many others like him."
When witnessing talent, such as was demonstrated by members of the choir, and you hear their plea for instruments… one or two of them could become recording stars if nurtured properly: gifted children could have mega careers from their gifts.
The Prime Minister referenced Sir Sidney Poitier, a Bahamian who could not read, but with the help and encouragement and instruction of a waiter, while a bus boy -- went on to win two Academy Awards, directing movies, and is an author of books.
Where talent is recognized, it must be encouraged and stimulated.
He said: "And Grand Bahama, I want to be able to say, in terms of the economy of the Grand Bahama -- cultural industries must be seen to be impactful and entertainment as it manifests itself on this island must be given a premier position."
BAHAMAS BUSINESS OUTLOOK - Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie (second left) was in Freeport on Thursday to officially open the Bahamas Business Outlook Grand Bahama. Also seen in the photo with Prime Minister Christie are: ACP Emrick Seymour (left), Officer in Charge of Grand Bahama; the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister for Grand Bahama (third left); Dr. Marcus Bethel, Chairman of the Hawksbill Creek Review Committee (fourth left); and Joan Albury, organizer of Bahamas Business Outlook. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)
