Education CPO calls on Guyanese to embrace orange economy

Education Chief Planning Officer (CPO) Mischka White-Griffith is urging Guyanese to embrace the country’s vibrant orange economy, emphasising the importance of cultural education and the potential for creative industries to transform communities. She made this call during a recent social media presentation.
“Let us teach our children that being an artist, a designer, or a performer is not a dream deferred but a future embraced,” White-Griffith said, highlighting the need to foster talent from a young age and support the creative sector as a cornerstone of national development. Speaking on the potential of Guyana’s orange economy, she painted a vivid picture of a nation alive with creativity and culture.
“Imagine Georgetown, alive with colour – not just painted walls, but pulsing with music spilling from open doorways, poetry echoing down the tree-lined main streets, and the scent of pepper-pot mingling with the rhythm of steelpan. Imagine neighbourhoods thriving, children dancing in community yards, elders sharing Anansi tales under the trees and artisans weaving dreams into baskets, fabrics and songs,” she said.
White-Griffith emphasised that the orange economy goes beyond art – it is about identity. “It is the drumbeat of our blood, the rhythm of the Creolese on our tongues, and the bold red, gold and green stitched into every masquerader’s costume, every calabash carving, and every note sung by a village choir. It is the storyteller in Lethem, the painter in Anna Regina, the filmmaker in New Amsterdam, and the dancer in Corriverton. Each is a single thread in the vibrant tapestry of who we are,” she added.
According to her, the orange economy does more than generate wealth: it fosters dignity and opportunity. She cited the example of a young girl in Berbice selling handmade jewellery online, showing that cultural talent can become both a livelihood and a source of national pride.
“Now, as oil flows, let us not forget: our true wealth has always been above ground. Our true wealth is in our people, our stories and our songs. The orange economy is our chance to invest in ourselves,” she said, adding that Government plans include funding studios, supporting creators and contractors, and ensuring that cultural industries are integrated into broader economic growth strategies. “Let us rise not just as citizens, but as custodians of our culture. Let us continue to buy local. Let us celebrate local. Because when Guyana shines in full colour – authentically, boldly and unapologetically us – we show the world who we are. This small country on the shoulder of South America doesn’t just have resources; it has a soul. And may our canvas grow brighter and brighter.”
White-Griffith’s comments come as the Government continues to prioritise cultural development and creative industries, recognising their role in economic diversification, youth empowerment and national identity.