Minister Baptiste was speaking at the launch of the 2007 Primary Schools' Performing Arts Festival earlier today which is scheduled to run from the 1st to the 28th of February.

She said that in order to develop "well rounded and grounded" young people, it is essential that they "occupy themselves so that their energies are channeled into something positive".

The Culture Minister recalled the policy statement made by the ULP Administration when it took office in 2001 that Culture and the Arts will be at the centre of this county's development. To make this a reality, the Minister said the young people must be involved.

She encouraged parents to get their small children exposed to the performing arts as it does not take away from their classroom experience but rather supplements it. Minister Baptiste said she is looking forward to a bigger festival this year and also encouraged as many schools as possible to take part.

Professional Secretarial and Consultancy Services is the main sponsor of the festival. Manager of that organization Camille Crichton said her company views sponsorship of the festival as an honor and an important part of their corporate responsibility to the nation. She also encouraged other businesses to support important nation building projects like the Primary Schools' Performing Arts Festival.