Dr. Irfaan Ali, the President, has stated that music from the Caribbean should be music of inspiration rather than music appropriated by artists with anti-social ideologies.
He was giving a speech at Georgetown, Guyana, to mark the beginning of the 46th regular meeting of Caricom leaders.
- Advertisement -
“Sometimes, as a region, we are in tough positions, and we have to take tough measures but always the region’s toughness is always in the interest of the region’s people,” the president shared.
He said that culture was the soul of the area since, only moments earlier, guests had undoubtedly been compelled to move in time to the drumming.
“We in Guyana have taken a conscious decision in ensuring we invest in culture as a tool and a mechanism of unifying our people and as a tool and mechanism of telling the story of who we are as a people.”
According to Ali, local culture is distinct and has to be maintained for the next generations.
“We do not need lyrics that promote violence in this region, he questioned.”
“We have the ability to promote good lyrics and lyrics that will move people in the positive direction and move people to think, act and behave positively.”
“As leaders of this region, we have to take this situation very seriously and ensure the lyrics of the region are the lyrics of Bob Marley, the lyrics of positivity and the lyrics of positive living and positive change. We must take this responsibility on today.”
According to President Ali, this is a basic problem. He recounted a previous meeting with Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, at which a number of people had questioned Guyana’s decision to deny entrance to a certain musician.
“That artiste is on an Interpol red list.
“We cannot allow our culture to be captured in this narrative.”
According to him, regional culture has to be reoriented toward its original purpose of promoting pleasant life and advancement.
“This is not about anyone or against anyone. This is for our region and for the future of the young people in this region.”
Although Ali refrained from naming names, Guyana outlawed Jamaican dancehall musician Kevon “Skeng” Douglas’ public concerts in June 2022. Other than that, Ali said he has noticed complaints about the trips taken by Caricom officials, but they still put in a lot of effort for their people.
“Every day, you have to go out and fight for attention for the region.
“You can’t do it sitting at home.”
According to Ali, the leaders had talked about Haiti’s crisis—which calls for peace, security, and effective leadership—all morning.
In a speech during the inaugural ceremony, Roosevelt Skerrit, the departing chairman of Caricom, urged immediate action to support Haiti.
“I have full faith that the Caribbean spirit of unity and determination will continue to guide us. We have the talent, the resources and the collective will to overcome any obstacle.”
His message to all Caricom members was to keep working together to create a better future for the Caribbean.
“A future where every country thrives and every voice is heard. And in this regard, my dear friends, lest we forget Haiti, a sister country of the Caribbean Community.”
“Haiti needs the support of everyone in this world, every country in this world. He added, “I do not believe we have the time or the luxury of time to continue talking about helping Haiti. We need to help Haiti yesterday. May God bless our efforts.”
Earlier, Skerrit reminisced with fondness about how Caricom had mediated negotiations between Presidents Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela and Dr. Irfaan Ali of Guyana last year in St. Vincent and the Grenadines over the Essequibo region, stating that the result was a model for other parts of the world.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland was present, together with Adel al-Jubeir, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, and representatives from the United States, United Kingdom, United Nations, Canada, Ghana, and Lesotho.
