The Organization of American States (OAS) is looking forward to continuing cooperation with the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) in highlighting and harnessing the culture and cultural diversity of Latin American and Caribbean member-states.
That’s according to the Head of the OAS National Office in Saint Lucia, Lilly Ching Soto, who says “Culture and cultural diversity are vital elements of the OAS, whose member States span across the western hemisphere.”
She told The VOICE: “Bringing cultures together while preserving their individual integrity, is important to fostering cooperation and the pursuit of OAS’s essential purposes.”
“On the other hand,” she adds, “racism and intolerance are deeply-rooted problems that the nations of the Western Hemisphere still face.”
“The OAS seeks to eradicate these deeply entrenched issues” and “has many programs designed to expand understanding and awareness of its members’ cultures, as well as safeguarding their distinctive heritages and to promote equality and non-discrimination.”
Ambassador Soto, who represents the OAS Secretary General in Saint Lucia, says OAS-SALCC collaborations “aim to increase understanding and appreciation of the cultural heritage of people of African descent in the Americas.”
She says an upcoming May 26 exhibition to be hosted by the SALCC will be showcasing the work of over 30 artists from around Saint Lucia
According to the OAS official, “I am grateful for the engaged participation and interest in the activity and look forward to the continuation of the promotion of artistic expressions in Saint Lucia.”