Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 24, 2022 (SKNIS): Minister of Entrepreneurship, Entertainment and Talent Development (MoENT), the Honourable Akilah Byron-Nisbett, has welcomed the partnership with Ivan Berry, a Kittitian-Canadian Music Business Executive, who is collaborating with the local government to advance the music sector in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Mr. Berry, a visionary music icon, is currently in the Federation with a team of international industry experts experienced in music publishing, digital distribution, social media, branding, copyright and performing rights, touring, and more. The team is facilitating a May 23rd to 26th workshop with local music artists.
Minister Byron-Nisbett noted that shortly after the establishment of MoENT in 2020, Mr. Berry contacted her with a great deal of enthusiasm and ideas on how to build out the music industry. That relationship is now bearing fruit.
“I am very happy to have you on board with us and for all of the support you have given to us so far …,” the minister stated. “I appreciate the team you have pulled together to assist you on this journey, and I know you promised that this is not the only team. You have more in store, and I really do appreciate that.”
The team currently facilitating this workshop consists of Music Business Executive (USA), Max Gousse; Global Digital Distribution Executive, Spencer Mussellam; Music Publishing, Copyright and Performing Rights Executive, Derek Wilkie; Live Performance and Touring Executive, Davon Carty; and Social Media, Marketing and Brand Executive, Njeri Taitt.
Minister Byron-Nisbett told the professionals that “we are truly thankful that you are giving of your time, and we look forward to everything that you are going to accomplish over the next few days and … on an annual or bi-annual type of arrangement.”
The Canadian-based Berry said that the members of the team have a long and fruitful history of supporting each other’s initiatives. The composition of the personnel provides for “information overload” and assures that the training will be interactive and well-rounded, he expressed.
The Business of Music workshop is being held at the National ICT Centre. The sessions run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily.