Basseterre, St. Kitts (April 21, 2004): Minister of Foreign Affairs and Education Hon Dr. Timothy Harris said that a UNESCO Project to revitalise the traditional masquerade, performing arts and costume making will positively impact the economy via its touristic value.
According to Minister Harris those whose ingenuity and creativity have helped to maintain the artform should be duly rewarded for their contributions. He added that this recognition should include monetary rewards.
Dr Harris urged those present at a conference to launch the second phase of the folklore revitalisation project to embrace the concept of Intellectual
Property Rights and use it to their advantage.
He explained that the importance of such rights is being highlighted in the global market with it being a major issue in the free trade efforts of the World Trade Organization.
The minister recommended that the legacy of the masquerade and costume making must live on and must be promoted and preserved. He said while we share it with others by providing them with memories, mementos and souvenirs we must recognise the value of owning the tradition.
National Project Coordinator Mrs Jacqueline Armony was highly commended for her resilience and steadfastness when the project was experiencing difficulty in the initial stages of development.
According to minister Harris other issues militating against the project did not daunt Mrs Armony’s resolve nor that of Chairman to the National Advisory Committee, Mr Antonio Maynard.
Special thanks was expressed to Mr Antonio Maynard Secretary General of the National Commission for UNESCO for the organization’s invaluable contribution to the project through funding.
