More consultations planned to finalise national cultural policy

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which the policy will be implemented, inclusive of the physical, social, legislative and wider international aspects of that environment; and implementation as informed by the other two components.

According to Johnson, three areas were identified under the general theme of “mainstreaming culture in development.” These were: Education, Environment and Citizenship. The three factors emerged from research and consultations, which was a Prince Claus fundsupported Janus Cultural Policy Initiative. Those three areas, he said, correspond directly to three of the six thematic policy areas coming out of the UNESCO Post-2015 dialogues on Culture in Development. In addition, he said, it is the Department’s intention to focus on these three areas for the policy development and implementation cycle, with Sustainable Urbanisation, Gender, and Poverty Reduction being the focus areas for 2021 to 2025, and review and reinforcement of all areas for 2026 to 2030.

The 72-page draft policy explains that its main objectives are to:

* Ensure that strong, sustainable systems are put in place to identify, protect and preserve both our tangible and intangible cultural heritage and to promote our diversity as our core national identity.

* Develop our creative arts and industries and other forms of cultural expression in order to both enrich the life of our citizens as well as to diversify our evolving economy.

* Ensure that culture is mainstreamed into development initiatives in keeping with both national priorities and international obligations.

According to Johnson, the primary purpose of the document is to provide a framework of constitutionally-based commitment to ensure that the diverse heritage of Guyanese is celebrated and employed as a tool for cohesion. It is also to ensure that Guyanese, especially the youths, have access to a good and creative life in society. (Laurel Sutherland)