THE Government of the Bahamas took part in a consultation on the Development of a Strategic Plan for the entry of CARICORUM Entertainers in the EU Market.

The Bahamas was represented at the meetings by Assistant Director of Culture, Dereka Deleveaux-Grant, from the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture and Financial and Trade Officer, Phylicia Woods, from the Ministry of Financial Services.

The CARIFORUM EU Economic Partnership Agreement includes a Protocol on Cultural Cooperation.

The provision provides for cultural cooperation between the European Union and CARIFORUM Member States.

Issues were discussed relating to regional integration among CARIFORUM member states to facilitate the participation of entertainers from the region into the European Union Market.

A common understanding among member states were met with regards to the specific opportunities available for trade in services in the area of cultural services. Additionally, member states expressed the major challenges that are faced within their respective countries that must be considered in the regional action agenda.

Moving forward, a collaborative project will be undertaken between the Ministry of Financial Services with the portfolio responsibilities for industry development and promotion and the Ministry of Culture to ensure that the cultural and creative industries of The Bahamas receives the maximum benefits from the market opportunities that present themselves through trade agreements such as the Economic Partnership Agreement.

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.