Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future. – Albert Camus, French Algerian author, philosopher and journalist.
NO?CLEAR?MIND WILL DENY how important culture is to our nation. We may differ on what things should truly define it, but we are agreed culture is critical to our society.
Having said that, it follows that our cultural administrators must take their roles seriously. So seriously as to have a profound understanding of what those roles are.
They are surely not being so subjective that good cause and reason become supplanted by naked authority and power; nor do the roles include the imposing of one’s personal tastes on others.
Managing culture calls for great skill; managing people of culture calls for greater skill yet.
There was a time when Culture was nigh afforded a ministry unto itself. Ever since those days, the semblance of Culture has been tacked on to somebody’s portfolio – as an afterthought.
Prime Minister Owen Arthur as Minister of Finance even carried it around on his coat-tail for a while. One couldn’t reasonably fault Mr Arthur for putting the economy first – that was where is love was.
When the new Democratic Labour Party (DLP) Government of 2008 appointed Steven Blackett as Minister of Community Development, with Culture tacked on too, it didn’t seem so bad. It could be argued culture is community-oriented.
But much didn’t happen then in Culture either, except for the rowing, and the to-ing and fro-ing at Crop Over, compliments of the National Cultural Foundation board. The minister himself was often as confused about NCF decisions as the festival stakeholders
and populace were.
To date we have another minister pulling Culture along behind him – after Family, Youth and Sport. Mr Stephen Lashley met with the Press a fortnight ago, but didn’t have a great deal to say about his vision; and it is not likely he will have much to offer in the future. Mum is simply the word.
His appointment of a virtual brand new NCF board, chaired by lawyer Monique Taitt, was supposed to clear the institution of the doublespeak and fait accompli style of its predecessor, but all we have got so far is the sound of silence.
Allegedly, a gag order is in effect. Only the minister and Ms Taitt shall speak. Is this now to be a part of Culture – artistic dictatorship?
If so CEO Donna Hunte-Cox and her officers can’t be expected to function effectively. Cultural officers are the ones on the ground with the artists, feeling their emotions and aspirations.
They are, by logic, the ears of the NCF board; and they ought to be by right its mouthpieces too!