An agreement has been signed between the Grenada Office of Creative Affairs in the Ministry of Economic Development, Planning, Tourism, ICT and the Creative Economy and the T.A. Marryshow Community College, to offer scholarships to individuals wishing to pursue specialised courses under the Creative and Cultural Industries Associate Degree Programme.
This partnership emerged from recommendations made earlier this year at Unleash Grenada’s first cultural and creative conference. Mr. Orlando Romain-Advisor in the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development with responsibility for ICT, Digital Economy, and the Creative Economy, highlighted that the three major recommendations from Unleash were the need for more opportunities to encourage capacity building for creatives, more financing resources, and developing an institutional framework to support the creative sector. Mr. Romain said “This initiative will allow creatives the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge in specific areas of business related to the creative industry, consequently enhancing their ability to efficiently function as entrepreneurs.”
The Grenada Office of Creative Affairs is offering one hundred (100) scholarships for the inaugural academic year of the programme. Mr. Romain continued: “This significant collaboration with TAMCC underscores GOCA’s commitment to making high-quality education accessible within the creative sectors. Through these scholarships, we aim to provide a platform for aspiring talents to develop their skills and contribute to the creative vitality of Grenada.”
The agreement, which was signed by Minister for Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. David Andrew and Mr. Ronald Brunton, Principal of the college, paves the way for creatives to pursue courses in areas such as Introduction to Entertainment Law, Introduction to Entrepreneurship for Creative Industries, Marketing & Communications and Digital Media.
Speaking following the signing ceremony, Hon. David Andrew stated, “We’ve had the signing of an agreement between the T.A. Marryshow Community College, the Grenada Office of Creative Affairs, and the Ministry of Education, to facilitate those courses that will be made available to persons in the Creative industry through scholarships, and we are happy as a government to present such opportunities to our people”.
Mr. Isaac Bhagwan, Permanent Secretary (Ag.) in Ministry of Economic Development, Planning, Tourism, ICT and the Creative Economy, added that the initiative is part of the
government’s plans to build capacity in an alternative sector, where employment opportunities can be provided. He also highlighted, “The courses are tailored to the particular needs of the Creative sector, and will be done at flexible times to facilitate the persons involved in the creative industries.”
This collaborative endeavour represents a step towards accessible, high-quality education, in alignment with the government’s commitment to empower creatives and advance the nation’s creative landscape.
