Advancing a Creole centre of excellence framework

The chapter argues in favour of fully embracing indigenous and traditional cultural heritage as pivotal to identity formation and development. Facets of language development, performing arts, cuisine, dress and fashion, lived traditions, and cultural festivals and events are all dimensions which help situate individuals as part of society and help create and establish a sense of belongingness. Creole culture and heritage are exemplary forms of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) which embody traditions in the Francophone countries explored in this volume. This chapter concludes the volume by espousing a Centre of Excellence Framework as a possible vehicle for advancing national cultural development in tourism dependent Small Island Developing States (SIDS).