PM Manasseh Sogavare and members of the Solomon Islands National Art Association stroll along hallway of the Art Gallery, touring the exhibition displaying paintings by local artists in the country

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced Ministry of Culture and Tourism has included in its priority for 2017, the enactment of traditional knowledge and expressions of culture legislation.

Prime Minister uttered this statement by observing art and crafts plays crucial component towards development in the Solomon Islands in terms of monetary and business dimension.

PM Sogavare said country need to protect its unique arts and craft from being duplicated and exploited by outsiders, and Ministry of Culture and Tourism has earmarked in its priority to re-look this in 2017.

“This legislation once in place will serve to protect our indigenous peoples’ identity, culture, artifacts, chants and other cultural expression.

“Therefore, from a technical and institutional perspective, there is an immediate need for legal instruments like the traditional knowledge and expressions of culture, relics and museum bills to be in place,” PM Sogavare said.

On this matter, Hon Sogavare said a draft of same bill was develop in 2015, and by re-visiting this bill will support artist making sure that their product are secured and copy right.

“In this regard, even the Copy Right Act 1987 also needs to be reviewed, updated and amended accordingly to protect our peoples’ ownership and cultural heritage in a globalised world,” PM Sogavare said.

“I believe enacting this important bill will respond positively to the concerns often expressed by local artists especially musicians,” Hon Sogavare said.