Spotlight on local culture

As this country looks forward to celebrating its Independence at the end of November, the State-owned television station has plans to boost its provision of local culture by featuring a purely Barbadian movie production each Friday and Saturday night on CBC TV 8.

This extra focus on local culture during this month has become a typical feature over the years. Traditionally at this time, CBC TV 8 has broadcast historical documentary material aimed at educating Barbadians on their culture, interspersed with lighter entertainment in the form of old local game shows, previous performances from National Independence Festival Creative Arts (NIFCA) entrants, or music videos from years gone by.

While some of this programming may still be in the line-up presently, a fresh look has been given with the addition of more recent locally produced movies to the schedule.

And these are no lacklustre films, joining the ranks of the popular ‘Hush’ series and internationally acclaimed ‘Chrissy’ will be other movies featured in this year’s film festival, which many members of the public did not get to see because shows had sold out.

These small changes to scheduling represent an opportunity for CBC TV 8 to freshen up its programming and also creates exciting possibilities for Barbadian film-makers and artists to showcase their talent and develop a local film industry. The public’s response to local movies is encouraging, with great feedback coming for a Barbadian soap opera centred around portrayals from staff of the Barbados Central Bank, so hopefully this would encourage support – financially and policy-wise – for locally produced programming.

As we start this month of Independence celebrations therefore, we look forward to “all things Bajan” – seeing the national colours adorn storefronts, the lights brighten the City after the annual lighting ceremony in Bridgetown, and the pageantry of the Spirit of the Nation show to be held later this month. We watch and hope that this country’s Independence takes centre stage to any other commemorations.

Troubling trend
However, we are aware of a troubling trend has crept into this society, one which seeks to place consumerism before nationalism. In this effort, foreign marketing strategies like a two-month build-up for Christmas and Black Friday post-Thanksgiving sales have started popping up in this island each year. This is not what Barbados is about, especially at such a nationally significant time.

With the economy fighting to get back on track, sales should be a major focus at all times. However, Barbadian businesses could utilise Independence marketing to push sales in November. There are many ways to encourage spending in the local economy without undermining Barbadian culture. Just consider the host of commercial ventures which made profits from the 50th anniversary Independence celebrations.

As we move firmly into November, we urge businesses to not only keep Christmas sacred and reserved to December, but to also keep this country’s Independence sacred and separate. Put more effort into marketing and advertising strategies and show more initiative. Media houses are also encouraged to support local music and programming and refrain from jumping the gun on Christmas carols and shows.

We look forward to local movie line-up this month and, hopefully, in the future as well.