Economist: More govt policies needed for music industry

ECONOMIST Dr Vanus James says the “biggest single problem across the Caribbean” is inadequate government policy.

He made the statement at an online forum – Music, Innovation and Economic Development – hosted by the Association of Caribbean Copyright Societies (ACCS) and SALISES, UWI Cave Hill on Wednesday morning.

James believes there is underinvestment in music capital production throughout the region, adding that the industry “thrives on innovation."

He said, “We have no data. A large number of artistes try their trade in the international market where they make the bulk of their income. But they do not have to satisfy domestic income reports and requirements, so we don’t have that system.

“Back in 2005, (Jamaica) promised me to develop some online facilities to develop music, and 15 years after that, those are still under construction.”

He said the Caribbean’s ability to produce long-term capital is its weakest asset, adding that the music industry is too often viewed as an “informal sector.”

“We need to get the data systems right, we need good survey and administrative data, to monitor and eliminate information asymmetries…We need to include elements in the curriculum designed for the types of people musicians are. Musicians are the one set of people in the region who are not victims of mental slavery.”

He added that the efforts of innovators and the barriers they face are also not reported.

“We export music to the world and we import music. Every year, they bring new offerings to the world. Music is critically to be studied as a capital.”

One of his main problems with TT, he said, is that there is no stock of “specialised, public infrastructure to support music.

“In particular, you could see it with respect to Carnival. There’s nothing that exists year-round in the Carnival industry. Every year, they build up something and break it down. You simply have to depend on the streets.”

He said musicians continually try to keep their work organised and modern.

CEO of the Lasco Chin Foundation Dr Rosalea Hamilton said while government policy is important, the industry should not solely depend on it.

“It will take more than simply governments making policy decisions and making constitutional changes. It definitely requires the hands of advocacy and activism – it’s so important,” she said.

“The nature and the type of advocacy is where we all need a voice. And I suggest the musicians do play a key role in being able to sensitise the public of the significance of good governance for development and for development of the industry. They are influential, they are advocates for change.”