Marking the commencement of Creativity and Innovation Week, April 15 to 19, Minister for Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Hon. Minister Shawn Edward emphasized the paramount importance of creativity and innovation as fundamental drivers of societal progress.

“Innovation is a process of discovering new and creative means to introduce fresh, value-adding experiences to our daily lives. When innovation is successful, it revolutionizes the economic structure of countries through the continued creation of new processes, new systems, new goods and new services.

“The conception of new structures can only stem from creativity – the use of imagination or original ideas. It is the ability to use information, material, and skills to produce something that didn’t exist before. In education parlance, creativity is greatest of the higher order thinking skills according to Bloom's cognitive domain.”
Minister Edward urged every citizen to participate in the events scheduled for the observance.

“Given that the color orange represents creativity and innovation, I ask all Saint Lucians to proudly wear the orange on Friday, April 19, in recognition of the ninth Sustainable Development Goal: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. Everyone is invited to the Annual National Symposium on Creativity and Innovation, to be held on that same day, April 19, from 9 a.m. at the Constitution Park in Castries.”

In preparation for the week, Minister Edward engaged firsthand with artisans, musicians, dancers, and visual artists, gaining insights into their challenges and aspirations. The Minister revealed that these encounters fostered a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of creativity.

The Annual National Symposium on Creativity and Innovation will also be streamed LIVE via the official YouTube channel of the Ministry of Education, Saint Lucia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGIdqEmol3U