— stakeholders help shape roadmap for creative industries
THE development of Guyana’s Orange Economy is moving beyond discussions and into implementation, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., said on Thursday as government convened an Orange Economy Stakeholders Consultation at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).
Held under the theme, “Orange Economy: Unlocking Guyana’s Cultural & Creative Industries Potential,” the consultation brought together creatives, cultural practitioners, entrepreneurs, policymakers, development partners and private sector representatives to identify opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
Delivering the feature address, Ramson said the engagement was designed to produce tangible outcomes and guide the next phase of development for Guyana’s cultural and creative industries.
“This is not a consultation where we are simply talking about possibilities. We are already moving towards implementation through a mix of immediate, short-term and long-term initiatives aimed at advancing the sector,” the minister said.
He noted that the Orange Economy has the potential to create jobs, attract investment, stimulate innovation and expand tourism opportunities, while preserving Guyana’s cultural heritage.
According to Ramson, the consultation forms part of government’s broader strategy to position the Orange Economy as a key pillar of economic diversification as Guyana continues to experience rapid economic growth.
He pointed out that globally, the Orange Economy contributes approximately 3.1 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), representing an estimated US$4.3 trillion annually and supporting some 50 million jobs.
“We know the importance of diversification,” Ramson said, adding that Guyana’s cultural and creative assets have significant economic potential that remains largely untapped.
Among the major announcements made during the consultation was Guyana’s participation in the Toronto International Film Festival for the first time.
Ramson described the development as an important opportunity to showcase local talent, establish international partnerships and position Guyana within the global creative economy.
He also highlighted Guyana’s growing capacity to support international film productions, citing a recent project that invested approximately US$500,000 in the local economy.
The consultation comes as government continues to increase investment in the sector. In Budget 2026, some $3.7 billion was allocated to support Orange Economy initiatives.
Last year, government also established a National Multistakeholder Orange Economy Taskforce to develop a medium-term strategy focused on key areas including cultural heritage tourism, gastronomy, literary arts, visual arts, performing arts, film, fashion and festivals.
Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, said the country’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations demonstrated the strength of Guyana’s creative sector, with 2,284 creatives participating in activities that attracted more than 38,000 attendees.
Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, highlighted the strong relationship between tourism and the creative industries, noting that cultural experiences, festivals, art, music and gastronomy contribute significantly to visitor spending and destination appeal.
Throughout the consultation, stakeholders participated in presentations and breakout sessions examining issues such as access to financing, skills development, market expansion, policy support and international competitiveness.
Several creatives welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important opportunity to contribute to the development of a sector that has long been underutilised despite its economic potential.
Folk singer Gavin Mendonca described the engagement as a timely opportunity to unite the country’s various creative disciplines.
“Times are changing, we are a growing economy, but the creative industry always seems to be left behind, so I think now is a great opportunity to consult, to put together a plan and then to act,” he said in an interview with Department of Public Information (DPI).
Steel pan player Tyrese Thomas said the consultation made creatives feel recognised and provided a valuable platform to influence the future direction of the sector.
Prominent Guyanese singer Charmaine Blackman also praised the initiative, expressing hope that Guyana’s creatives will eventually enjoy opportunities comparable to those available elsewhere in the Caribbean.
“I believe that it is time that we come up to par with our Caribbean brothers and sisters who have been earning comfortably in the industry,” she said to DPI.
Participants examined opportunities and challenges affecting a broad range of creative industries, including film, fashion, music, visual arts, media production, cultural tourism, heritage preservation, entertainment and gastronomy.
Recommendations emerging from the consultation focused on strengthening policy support, improving access to financing, expanding training opportunities, increasing market access and improving the international competitiveness of Guyanese creative products and services.
More consultations are expected as government advances plans to develop a comprehensive strategy for the sector.
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Caption : Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr.
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Caption : Held under the theme, “Orange Economy: Unlocking Guyana’s Cultural & Creative Industries Potential,” the consultation brought together creatives, cultural practitioners, entrepreneurs, policymakers, development partners and private sector representatives to identify opportunities and challenges facing the sector
