Cultural Information Management Systems Workshop Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago

1. Cultural Information Management Systems WorkshopPort of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago Ms. Sherilyne Jones Research Education Officer- Institute of Archaeology National Institute of Culture and History Ministry of National Development, Investment and Culture

2. Comprises of Four Branches: Institute of Archaeology Institute of Social and Cultural Research Museum of Belize & Houses of Culture Institute of Creative Arts Museum of Belize & Houses of Culture

3. The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) was created by the Government of Belize in 2003. The goal was to bring together diverse government departments, which had historically worked to preserve and promote Belizean culture. NICH is committed to the preservation of Belize's ancient and historical era monuments and artifacts; the interpretation of Belize's documented, photographic and oral history; and the promotion of contemporary visual, literary and performing arts.

4. Institute of Archaeology (IA) • The Institute of Archaeology is responsible for the administration and management of archaeology countrywide. • The IA is also responsible for the National Collection, which is a repository for all antiquities found in the country of Belize.

5. Institute of Social and Cultural Research • The Institute of Social and Cultural Research provides a center for research, with a library and conference facilities for scholars and students of Belizean History, Culture and Sociology.

6. Museum of Belize & Houses of Culture • The Museums of Belize and Houses of Culture include the Museum of Belize in Belize City • There are currently 3 Houses of Culture in Belize that promote community participation in the arts as well as provide a venue for local concerts and exhibitions

7. Institute of Creative Arts (ICA) • The Institute of Creative Arts is responsible for the promotion of the performing, plastic and visual arts. • ICA host performances, festivals of art and have excellent links with education in order to encourage and showcase music, dance, drama, creative writing and the visual arts.

8. How is Cultural Information disseminated in Belize? • Brochures, Posters, Postcards • Tour guides training • School Education Program • Research Report in Belizean Archaeology Journal • Symposia • Newsletters, Magazines (NICH CULTURE) • National Collection Management • Website ( very basic) • Exhibitions • Festival of Arts

9. http://www.nichbelize.org/index.php Challenges with the effective management of the website include: • Lack of funding • Trained personnel to manage the site • Everyone coming to a consensus on its context, direction and layout • A focal point person for all institutions in NICH to ensure what specifically should be on their organization webpage • A major problem lies in defining Belizean Culture, particularly given the fact that we are a young nation

10. What constitutes a Belizean Culture? Diversity of Ethnic Groups in Belize of a total population of approx 300,000 These include: Maya (3 groups Kekchi, Mopan, Yucatec), Garifuna, Creole, Mestizo, East Indians, Lebanese, Chinese, Mennonites. Does nation building require a homogenization of culture? (National Identity) Does Belize embark of a fusion of culture , highlighting a few elements of each ethnic group, or should we subscribe to “encouraging diversity, allowing for the dynamics of each group to participate in national consciousness”