Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture, Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4), has emphasised that the development of the Virgin Islands’ cultural and creative industries is essential to strengthening the Territory’s heritage, national identity, and economy. Photo: Facebook

Delivering a message on the Virgin Islands Culture and Heritage Policy, Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4) said Government has been investing time and effort into developing the cultural and creative economies, which encompass a wide range of artistic and heritage-based sectors. Photo: GIS

The Junior Minister explained that the cultural domains of the creative industry include the literary arts, visual arts, crafts, and multimedia arts. She added that the performing arts, culinary arts, cultural industries, traditional arts, museums, and heritage sites are also closely connected to the Territory’s cultural heritage. Photo: Facebook

Delivering a message on the Virgin Islands Culture and Heritage Policy on October 12, 2026, Honourable Hodge-Smith said the Government has been investing time and effort into developing the cultural and creative economies, which encompass a wide range of artistic and heritage-based sectors. 

Creative industries

The Junior Minister explained that the cultural domains of the creative industry include the literary arts, visual arts, crafts, and multimedia arts. She added that the performing arts, culinary arts, cultural industries, traditional arts, museums, and heritage sites are also closely connected to the Territory’s cultural heritage.

“When we develop the creative and cultural industries properly, we strengthen our culture and heritage, and in turn, we strengthen our nation and our economy,” Honourable Hodge-Smith said.

Her message aligns with the Virgin Islands Culture and Heritage Policy and Strategy, which identifies cultural confidence, national identity, creative-industry development, and social and economic benefits as central priorities. 

Cultural confidence

Honourable Hodge-Smith also highlighted the importance of cultural confidence, describing it as a nation’s full recognition of the value of its own culture and its firm belief in that culture’s vitality.

“As our policy reminds us, without firm faith in our own culture, we cannot be sure that our culture can stand up to the impact of other cultures,” she said. “Have the courage to forge ahead and have the vitality for growing innovation and creativity.”

The Junior Minister’s remarks come as the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development continues to promote the integration of heritage, arts, and tourism into national development.

Call for public participation

Honourable Hodge-Smith urged residents to attend the upcoming town hall meetings on the Culture and Heritage Policy, stressing that the policy concerns every Virgin Islander.

“Remember, it is our nation, our economy, our culture, and our heritage,” she said.