The Bahamian government has participated in consultations over how CARICORUM entertainers can enter the European Union (EU) market.

The Bahamas was represented at the meetings by Dereka Deleveaux-Grant, assistant director of culture from the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture, and Phylicia Woods, financial and trade officer, from the Ministry of Financial Services (pictured).

The CARIFORUM EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) includes a Protocol on Cultural Cooperation. The provision allows for cultural cooperation between the EU and CARIFORUM member states, including the Bahamas.

The entertainment industry, which is a subset of the cultural/creative industries, represents an area that has great potential for economic growth and diversification within CARIFORUM economies.

Rgional integration among CARIFORUM member states to facilitate the participation of regional entertainers in the EU market was discussed.

The Ministry of Financial Services and the Ministry of Culture will now work together to ensure that the Bahamas’ cultural and creative Industries receive the maximum benefits from the opportunities that present themselves through trade agreements such as the EPA.

As a result of the meetings, recommendations for members were determined, and a follow-up report will be drafted by CARICOM and returned to participant countries for comments.