Declaring the National Performing Arts Conference officially open at the Peace Memorial Hall, Minister of Youth, Sports, Culture and Creative Industries, the Honourable Kashaka Cupid, delivered an inspiring charge to cultural practitioners, urging the transformation of raw artistic talent into sustainable, professional careers within the orange economy.
Speaking under the conference theme “Believe, Innovate, Inspire, Next Level,” Minister Cupid drew upon his own life journey to encourage young creatives across the nation. Reflecting on his humble beginnings and youthful ambition to stand in leadership, he emphasized: “Every achievement begins with the courage to believe in something greater than our present circumstances. Never allow where you are today to determine how far you can go tomorrow.”
Minister Cupid asserted that exceptional talent exists in every corner of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, emphasizing that geographic boundaries and street addresses must never restrict opportunity:
“Somewhere in a classroom in Kingstown, there is a child with an extraordinary gift waiting to be discovered. Somewhere in the northern part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in Sandy Bay, there may be a young dancer whose talent could one day command an international stage. And perhaps in a small community such as Petit Bordel, there is a future playwright, musician, or performer who has never had the opportunity to showcase what they can do.”
However, the Minister stressed that raw ability alone cannot guarantee success. Just as a gifted cricketer must produce runs rather than rely merely on looking attractive at the crease, dancers, actors, and musicians require more than occasional applause or encouragement. “They need training, exposure, mentorship, and pathways to develop their abilities into meaningful careers,” Cupid insisted.
Highlighting the economic imperative, Minister Cupid called on society to recognize the performing arts as viable professions that generate employment, enhance tourism, and strengthen national identity abroad. He underscored that building this resilient “Orange Economy” requires seamless collaboration among the government, educational institutions, the artists themselves, and committed corporate partners like BOSVG.
“The greatest achievement of leadership is not reaching a position you once dreamed of, but helping others to realize dreams of their own,” Cupid concluded. Reminding artists that St. Vincent and the Grenadines possesses limitless creative potential despite its physical size, he asserted: “The next level will not happen because it is imagined. It must be created through vision, investment, and action.”
