By the Caribbean Journal staff

Establishing a film commission could help Barbados evolve as a mecca for audiovisual production by attracting global film producers, according to Tourism Minister Richard Sealy.

Sealy, who was speaking at the Caribbean Tales symposium, said the government acknowledged the potential benefits of an expanded industry in the country.

“The Barbados government has already pledged its full commitment to the advancement of the cultural industries and, more specifically, the audiovisual sector,” Sealy said. “Certainly, the presence of a film commission in Barbados will go a long way towards harmonising and cementing the partnership between the government and the AV industry and giving structure to the effort to develop it.”

Barbados’ Cultural Industries Bill is currently receiving public input, and Sealy said he hoped “significant strides will be made towards establishing a film commission for Barbados.”

A strengthened film sector could also bring a boost to cultural tourism he said, creating a “compelling reason to a establish a smooth-functioning, well-established film commission which will give impetus to Barbados’ cultural tourism effort.”

“Through production of films,” he said, “Barbados, the destination, will automatically receive promotion, so that the spinoff effects for the economy are clear.”