BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO & MORRIS NAFU
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT), through its Culture Division, remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving both the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Solomon Islands.
Minister for Culture and Tourism, Choylin Douglas, emphasized this commitment during the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) cultural show held over the weekend.
“Our Ministry, through its Culture Division, is dedicated to preserving both the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of our beloved Solomon Islands. We are actively working on initiatives aimed at protecting, preserving, reviving, and promoting our unique cultural assets. This includes safeguarding traditional knowledge, practices, and expressions, as well as promoting arts, music, dance, and festivals that celebrate our diverse cultural landscape,” Douglas stated.
She underscored that the Ministry’s mission is to ensure the nation’s rich cultural heritage thrives in the modern world while contributing to the social and economic development of communities.
Minister Douglas also outlined several strategic focus areas for the Ministry’s work:
- Cultural Tourism Initiatives
“We recognize the significant role that culture plays in tourism. Our goal is to develop cultural tourism products that attract visitors, celebrate our identity, and generate sustainable livelihoods for local communities. By doing so, we are not only preserving our cultural heritage but also transforming it into an engine of economic growth,” she said. - Creative Industries Development
The Ministry is dedicated to nurturing the creative talents of Solomon Islanders. “We are working on policies to support the growth of creative industries, including arts, crafts, fashion, film, and music. These sectors hold great potential for job creation and income generation, especially for our youth,” Douglas highlighted. - Sustainable Livelihoods for Communities
“Culture and sustainable development go hand in hand. Our initiatives aim to empower communities by providing opportunities that are culturally meaningful and economically viable. By promoting cultural enterprises, we enable our people to transform their heritage into a source of sustainable income,” she added.
The Minister also urged students and young leaders to play a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the country’s diverse cultural heritage.
“You, the young people, are the custodians of our heritage. It is your responsibility to carry forward the knowledge and values that have been passed down to you. Your participation in events like this cultural show is a powerful statement of your commitment to keeping our traditions alive.”
She concluded with an inspiring reminder:
“Let us remember that our culture is our identity. It is the foundation upon which we build our future. By embracing our heritage, we are not only honoring our past but also paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow.”
