The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday received a delegation associated with the People’s Forum of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2026) and the Commonwealth Foundation, which presented proposals aimed at strengthening the country’s creative economy and establishing a framework for its long-term development.
The delegation included Razmi Farook, Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation; Carla Cole, Deputy Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation; Renee Robinson, Consultant on the Creative Industries; Senator Abena St. Luce, Deputy Lead of the Local People’s Forum; and Samantha Marshall, Lead of the Local People’s Forum.
The presentation formed part of ongoing preparations for CHOGM 2026 and focused particularly on opportunities to use the upcoming international gathering to create a lasting legacy for Antigua and Barbuda’s creative and cultural industries.
Consultant Renee Robinson outlined the considerable economic potential of the creative sector, particularly for Antigua and Barbuda’s young population. She noted that the country already possesses a vibrant creative economy, but greater formalisation, appropriate legislation, incentives, data collection and institutional support could significantly increase its contribution to employment, investment and economic growth.
The Cabinet was presented with examples from other countries where deliberate policy interventions have resulted in substantial growth in the creative industries. The Dominican Republic’s experience in developing its film sector was highlighted, including the introduction of legislation, incentives and registration mechanisms that contributed to significant expansion in film production.
The presentation also pointed to Jamaica’s experience, where formal registration of creative businesses has been associated with improved economic performance, and where the creative economy has been estimated to contribute as much as five per cent of GDP.
Particular attention was given to the potential linkages between the creative industries and Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector.
Among the concepts discussed was the possibility of developing specialised projects that combine luxury tourism with music and other creative industries, thereby attracting international artists and generating additional economic activity.
Cabinet was informed that work is now underway on the development of a White Paper and an implementation roadmap for Antigua and Barbuda’s creative economy. The process builds on earlier consultations and reports and is intended to provide a pathway towards the necessary policy and legislative framework.
The Commonwealth Foundation representatives indicated that CHOGM 2026 provides an important opportunity to advance the initiative. The creative economy is expected to feature in both the Business Forum and People’s Forum, including through a panel involving experts from across the Commonwealth. The Foundation is also supporting the development of the White Paper and implementation roadmap so that commitments and opportunities emerging from CHOGM can be incorporated into a sustainable national strategy.
Cabinet welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to investing in and expanding Antigua and Barbuda’s creative industries. The Cabinet expressed particular interest in receiving technical assistance from the Commonwealth Foundation to further develop national creative arts policies and strengthen the accompanying legislative framework.
The Cabinet noted that Antigua and Barbuda possesses significant talent in music, film, festivals, visual and performing arts and other creative disciplines and that these sectors can play a greater role in diversifying the national economy, generating employment and entrepreneurship, particularly among young people.
Cabinet also welcomed continued collaboration between the Government, the Commonwealth Foundation, the People’s Forum and local stakeholders as Antigua and Barbuda prepares to host CHOGM 2026.
The Government views the initiative as an opportunity to ensure that the hosting of CHOGM produces benefits extending well beyond the meeting itself, leaving behind stronger institutions, new investment opportunities and a sustainable framework for the continued growth of Antigua and Barbuda’s creative economy.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Cabinet Receives People’s Forum and Commonwealth Foundation Presentation on Advancing Antigua and Barbuda’s Creative Economy.