Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Creative Economy, Culture and Sports, Jehu Wiltshire, addressing the UNESCO-CDEMA Workshop on Disaster Resilience in the Caribbean’s Culture Sector. Looking on are Chair, Barbados National Commission for UNESCO, Alissandra Cummins (centre); and Co-ordinator of the Cultural Programme, UNESCO Regional Office for Culture for Latin America and the Caribbean, Tatiana Villegas.
A section of the audience present at Wednesday’s session of the UNESCO-CDEMA Workshop on Disaster Resilience in the Caribbean’s Culture Sector at Hilton Barbados Resort.
Everyone has a role and responsibility in addressing the impact of climate change on cultural heritage.
Such a view was shared on Wednesday by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Creative Economy, Culture and Sports, Jehu Wiltshire. He addressed the UNESCO-CDEMA Workshop on Disaster Resilience in the Caribbean’s Culture Sector.
During this two-day session, which occurred at Hilton Barbados Resort, attendees deliberated to design strategies for the effective management and protection of the region’s cultural heritage.
“It is not a restricted area of concern for politicians, technocrats and activists. It needs to be stressed that everyone has a role to play, particularly our local communities which often feel and suffer the direct effects of climate change. They therefore are deserving of a seat at the table when these issues are being discussed.”
Wiltshire further stated it is imperative that the cultural sector be prepared to react and to do so promptly to the hazard of natural disasters as they pose a real threat to destroy the region’s cultural identity.
He said, “It is important that our governments, private sector and global institutions work together to address the concerns and challenges in order to effect change and design the best responses.
“It is evident that we cannot, however, do it alone. Operating singularly and facing these challenges in isolation must become a thing of the past. Through our collective wisdom and combined experiences, I am confident that we can develop creative and innovative ways of tackling many of these issues. It is not limited to the Caribbean or its institutions. We need to go further and include UNESCO, the Organisation of American States, the International Council for Monuments and Sites, and cultural civil society organisations. Many of the Caribbean countries share similar interests, concerns and challenges, such as marine and coastal management, the impacts of climate change, and issues of sustainable development.”
The Permanent Secretary added that “sharing of information, experiences and best practices among the different countries is key to an improved implementation of best practices when it comes to heritage conservation. Organising workshops, like the one being held today [Wednesday], can aim to inform and guide decision-makers, professionals and local communities in their endeavours to care for their environment and to help prepare and respond to disasters before the next one occurs". (MG)