Dear Editor,

It is wonderful news that Kingston has been designated “a creative city of music” by UNESCO, the result of a strategic partnership between groups such as the Tourism Enhancement Fund which contributed $3.4 million to support the venture.

But I must ask, why do we need an official designation from an international group to promote Kingston as a creative city? Isn’t it just as effective to market and promote the city as a music capital, as we host major events and festivals, featuring some of the big names in entertainment business in Kingston and other parts?

I think the quality of our talent can speak for itself if we develop and promote culture and the arts in tourism to attract more visitors to Jamaica.

Why do we have to spend scarce resources to travel to faraway countries like Japan to apply for a designation? Tourists don’t travel based on an official designation list; they visit based on what they see and hear and feel, that is how effectively we market and promote the country.

According to the report,“The announcement also follows a recent trip by the ministry’s Senior Director of Entertainment Gillian Wilkinson-McDaniel and Kingston’s Town Clerk Robert Hill to Japan to lobby for the designation to be granted at the UNESCO World Creative City Forum.”

To be honest, I have never heard of an official list of “creative cities” before. We shouldn’t get carried away with a foreign designation; it shouldn’t be needed if we have things in place to make any city of ours ‘creative’ and appealing to visitors. Historical sites, traditionally, can be enhanced with a designation, as there is usually a story behind it and need to mark these spots for the record and for information to visitors.

When it comes to cities and tourism, however, it is how we market and promote the city which makes a difference. Kingston has a lot of potential for the creative arts and culture. Just think of the majestic Ward Theatre which is badly in need of renovation, the waterfront area, the National Gallery of Jamaica, and the many possibilities for venues for music and the arts.

Creativity comes from the heart and soul of a people; it is not exclusive. Let us designate creative centres ourselves, and the quality of what is shared with our visitors should speak for itself.

P Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com