Protecting and Preserving the soul of the Bahamas
Culture is a word for the 'way of life'. It is also an umbrella term that is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people, encompassing language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts, capabilities, and norms found in human societies. The Bahamas has a distinct culture that has evolved over generations, from a mixture of mostly African, combined with some British and American influences, which developed into a unique and colorful style of Bahamian self-expression. In recent years, the culture of the Bahamas has been under attack due to the lack of decisions made by politicians under foreign beliefs, this anti-Bahamian behavior must stop. Therefore, the next Member of Parliament for MICAL should seek to achieve the following:
MICAL’s Path forward>>
Petition the Department of Education to ensure that contemporary Bahamian art education is introduced and taught at the primary and secondary levels to grow artists and audiences for the future.
Petition government to ensure that Local Authorities are allocated sufficient funding to allow the fulfillment of long-term strategic cultural & arts planning and the promotion of festivals.
Petition legislation of a National Culture Act (NCA) of the Bahamas to strengthen & protect our future, our people, and the multi-destination heritage of our nation. (Ref. Green Tourism: A World Leading Green Holiday Destination - National Culture Act Point #20)
To recognize the role technology and innovation will play in the future of our artistic and cultural life, we will seek to form joint ventures between businesses and tourism bodies and artistic and cultural organizations.
Petition for 70% of all existing artwork and the expression of new artwork to be placed in government buildings, public spaces, and places, hotels, etc. are authentically Bahamian.
Create Artisan Zones – of pedestrian zones and public spaces in the city districts. (Ref. Green Tourism: A World Leading Green Holiday Destination - Point #19)
To incentivize audiences and improve access to arts events, petition government to initiate a subsidized money-off vouchers scheme. Individuals will be issued with a voucher which can be used as part or full payment for any Cultural Arts Council of the Bahamas (CACB) certified events.
The Introduction and establishment of the Cultural Arts Council of the Bahamas (CACB). A quasi-government authoritative body responsible for the regulation of the Music, the Arts, and Entertainment Industry. The Cultural Arts Council was created to develop, support, coordinate, and promote music, art, performing and visual arts, and entertainment, by serving as "arts advocates" before governmental bodies, private companies, and organizations, by coordinating marketing programs, promoting cultural tourism regionally and internationally, and securing funding for individuals, and nonprofit arts and entertainment organizations. The Council oversees and administers grants, which are awarded to eligible organizations and individuals recording or producing music, producing or presenting visual, art, crafts, entertainment, and performing arts in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
The establishment of the Bahamas Music & Arts Authority (BMAA) - a CACB sub-authoritative-body responsible for the regularization of the Music, Arts, and Entertainment Industry in the Bahamas. The BMAA goal and mandate is to celebrate, promote, encourage, and support Bahamian musicians and artists locally and abroad.
The implementation of the BMAA - Digital Registry and Library Database (DRLD). The BMAA will make it mandatory for Bahamian Artistes residing in and outside the Bahamas to sign up and register their craft (Music, Art, Film) through the Digital Registry and Library Database (DRLD) to receive assistance in songwriting, recording, digital packaging and distribution, crafting, production, support, sales, to file a report, make a claim and receive compensation, etc.
Petition for 70% of all music broadcasted on radio stations, podcasts, music-streaming services, and television stations across the Bahamas, new and existing are authentically Bahamian.
Concentrating on Culture, petition for the reform of the Education Curriculum to ensure that it reflects the soul and culture of the Bahamas in all subjects. Making key subjects mandatory for all students at all levels. (Ref. Education: Excellence In Education For Future Generations - Point #7)
Seek funding for recreational facilities that provide positive cultural activities for youth in their communities.
The creation of afterschool programs with continued training for school-age youths who demonstrate exceptional abilities in sports, academics, and the arts, with a focus on culture.
Protect and preserve our Bahamian Dialect through copyright, publishing, recording of books, and information placed on and circulating the internet.
Peruse the art of costume (Junkanoo), sculpture, and boat building is integrated into the ministry of education arts and craft curriculum in all schools.
The formation of a (CDA) Constituency Development Association responsible for the planning, promotion, and hosting of annual community and cultural festivals and other community development projects and initiatives.
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The Path Forward is a 20-year Development plan designed to generate economic growth and to develop sustainable economies in Mayaguna, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, and Long Cay (MICAL). The ideas, initiatives, and programs mentioned in this document were originally written as a guide mapping out an economic development path forward for the southern islands of the Bahamas.
By Andy Hanna.