The Government, through the Bahamas Embassy in China is seeking to explore and create new economic opportunities for Bahamians through all aspects of Bahamian arts and crafts.
On Friday, July 15, 2016, Bahamas Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China His Excellency Paul Andy Gomez sat down with the movers and shakers in the cultural arena to discuss the vast potential of Bahamian arts and culture in Asia. A number of them recently participated in a cultural tour in China.
Held at the British Colonial Hilton, the discussion evolved in a full Exuma Island room, where the sound of all things Bahamian was brought to the fore resulting in Ambassador Gomez laying out a road map for such a relationship.
Ambassador Gomez thanked all for attending “this working session of The Bahamas-China Culture Exchange Group, which seeks to enhance The Bahamas’ cultural export and create new economies for Bahamians.”
Discussing the worldwide market for Bahamian arts and crafts is Bahamas Ambassador to China H.E. Paul Andy Gomez (at microphone) with artists and artisans, and representatives of the Ministry of Tourism, BAIC, department of Culture, Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Commission, and the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce, July 15, 2016 at British Colonial Hilton. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)
The year 2017 will make 20 years since The Commonwealth of the Bahamas and The People’s Republic of China established diplomatic ties and bilateral relations in a number of areas like scholarships, agriculture, business and arts and culture.
“The Bahamas Embassy’s primary role in China is to maintain diplomatic relations of the highest level with The People’s Republic of China,” Ambassador Gomez said.
Secondly, he said, the embassy is pursuing “in a big way” the promotion of business partnership opportunities between Chinese and Bahamian businesses.
China is considered the largest developing country in the world with the second largest economy behind the United States. And its immediate goal is to grow its middle class by 300 million people.
“The Bahamas has some opportunities and we need to strategically balance our sovereignty for generations to come with economic development, particularly from that heavily populated part of the world,” Ambassador Gomez said.
His Excellency Paul Andy Gomez. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)
Some of the concerns expressed by individuals at the meeting were marketing and promotion of Bahamian products; culture such as Junkanoo; copyright of photographs, drawings and paintings; the support of short films and documentaries; and the sale of items such as straw bags, jewelry and other crafts.
“We have a gem of a country; The Bahamas is highly respected and we have to protect it for future generations,” the ambassador said. “But we also have to find a way for culture to make some money. We have to work together.”
Chairman of the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation the Hon. Dion Smith said a mandate of BAIC is to stimulate the growth of small and medium-sized businesses. “There is a market worldwide for Bahamian handicraft,” he said.
Deputy Director General of Tourism Ellison “Tommy” Thompson also noted that China is an emerging, important market and pledged the Ministry’s support in this vein.
Director of Culture Rowena Poitier-Sutherland said she is willing to share the various business plans on tap for further promotion of culture in, and outside of The Bahamas.
Bahamas Chamber of Commerce president Edison Sumner and Chairman of the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Commission Paul Major, who both pledged the support of the business community, also addressed the meeting.
Bahamas Ambassador to The People’s Republic of China His Excellency Paul Andy Gomez, left, addressing The Bahamas-China Culture Exchange Group meeting, July 15, 2016 at the British Colonial Hilton. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)
By Lindsay Thompson
Bahamas Information Services
