Dear Editor,
“Developing talent is a science not luck and chance” (Hon. Charles Ramson, Facebook, September 25, 2020)
Referring to projected developments in athletics, the Honourable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport recently noted “developing talent is a science not luck and chance.” The same logic must also be applied to the other elements of his portfolio. The same orientation must be applied to the development of Guyanese creative arts.
For the past five years there has been little if any systematic effort to advance the infrastructure to support the development of Guyanese creative arts. Unfortunately, the resuscitation of the Institute for the Creative Arts, which was started around 2012 under the leadership of Hon Frank Anthony became mired in the machinations of the culture sector during the last administration. The conditions that obtained in 2015, probably continue in 2020. The Institute remains unaccredited. The curriculum remains undeveloped and the existing faculty essentially untrained.
The Institute for the Creative Arts was established after CARIFESTA 72 when it became evident that although Guyanese had talent, they needed education, training, and opportunities for innovation. Almost 50 years later we have not been systematic in doing that job. Hopefully, efforts by the Honourable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport to address this critical need will be one of the actions that His Excellency President Ali can point to as action taken during his administration’s first 100 days.
Yours faithfully,
Vibert C. Cambridge, Ph.D., A.A.
