BARBADOS-CULTURE-Barbados signs MOU with international African American museum.

BRIDGETOWN -- Barbados has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the US-based International African American Museum (IAAM), resulting in enhanced collaboration on a number of cultural and tourism ventures and projects.

A government statement said that the MOU is aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and exchanges in culture, heritage, tourism, and the creative industries between Barbados and IAAM.

The document on cooperation in the field of culture and tourism was signed on Sunday by Minister in the Prime Minister's Office with responsibility for culture, Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight and the IAAM president and chief executive officer, Dr. Tonya Matthews.

'We really value the partnership with the IAAM and the sacrifices made by the team to journey to Barbados to connect with us and become a part of the story that we share,' said Munro-Knight.

Matthews expressed optimism about the linkages to be formed as a result of the MOU.

The IAAM is located in Charleston, South Carolina, and was officially opened to the public on June 27, 2023.

Meanwhile, Barbados and the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor National Heritage Area in South Carolina have signed a MOU to promote enhanced bilateral relations in tourism and culture.

Munro-Knight signed on behalf of the government, while executive director Victoria Smalls, represented Gullah Geechee.

The MOU promotes the exchange of information and experts in the areas of film, visual arts, audio-visual, fashion, genealogy, and cultural organisations and heritage. It also allows for tourism promotion, marketing, development, investment, and planning.

Munro-Knight aid that as Barbados continues to evolve as a new republic, emphasis will be placed on 'valuing the creative energies of our people', and 'charting the path forward based on friendship and partnerships'.

'It's a particularly poignant moment for me because I think everybody who's worked with me knows that I am one that like a lot of outputs. And I remember when we were gathered in another space in October 2022.

'So, we have committed ourselves to this MOU and it has happened a little less quickly than I would have liked, but we are here perhaps one year later, but still very important, in order for us to solidify our partnership and working...