PRIME Minister Allen Chastanet has started the ball rolling that may see local radio stations playing 50 percent music originating from countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
The Prime Minister made a surprise visit to Real FM News Spin talk show this week where he spoke on a number of current issues plaguing the country including the need for local radio stations to play more local songs.
“I have asked the Ministry of Creative Industries to start dialogue with entertainers as well as the different radio stations because we would like to pass an act or a law here which would compel local radio stations to play 50 percent of their music needs from the OECS and I think the time has come,” Chastanet said.
“I think we have enough product coming out of the OECS. Right now we’re encouraging our artistes to learn how to copyright their music and how to use YouTube and different platforms to be able to sell their music,” Chastanet added.
He encouraged artistes to do virtual shows as this is a huge market where they could showcase their product since people are spending time at home by working at home.
He called for the prioritizing of local music and those coming from sister OECS countries saying that he hopes something will come to Cabinet this week. He wants consultation on that so that this could quickly become a reality.