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Island Council approves cultural policy framework
by The Daily Herald
Posted: Jun 6, 2007 15:27 UTC
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PHILIPSBURG - The Integrated Cultural Policy Framework was unanimously approved by the Island Council on Monday.
Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Louie Laveist said during his presentation of the policy framework the cultural policy plan was based on the assumption that tourism is the engine of economy and culture is the fuel that moves the people forward. The integrated cultural policy framework was developed after more than 12 months of public consultation, research and discussion. This report sets out a framework that will ensure that St. Maarten’s cultural heritage flourishes while it is protected and preserved.
According to the Commissioner, St. Maarten’s culture and cultural landscape has changed considerably since 1986. “This report updates the cultural policy of Dutch St. Maarten. St. Maarten’s integrated cultural policy plan adopts a view that culture comprises the whole complex of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features that characterise a society or social group. It includes not only the odds and letters but also most of life, the fundamental rights of the human being, value systems, traditions and beliefs. It adopts a broader view that defines culture as a way of life of people,” he said.
Furthermore the plan adopts and views culture as a social group’s design for surviving in and adapting to its environment. Laveist: “The need to establish a national cultural policy is obvious. The cultural policy is the catalyst of creativity and the means to preserve the tangible and intangible national heritage which consists of the cultural and natural heritage.”
The policy emphasises that culture impacts all segments of society among others education, health, spirituality, tourism, environment, sustainable development, youth gender, media, laws and technology. The policy also promoted development and dialogue within a society to empower all communities to contribute to shared ethics and a vision of the future.
The Commissioner emphasised that the execution of an integrated cultural policy was the responsibility of all partners on social and governmental levels. The policy has been put together by all stakeholders and has been a work in progress for almost three years. He thanked all stakeholders for their input.
“There are many challenges with respect to the policy, financial as well as in terms of compliance. However I want to state beforehand that what we are doing today is approving the integrated cultural policy and structural changes and adaptations that will take place in financial areas. In the 2008 budget we will focus on the implementation of the integrated youth policy,” Laveist said.
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