Governor General earmarks Old Catholic Church near Goverment House for dedicated creative space

Marshall said she made the commitment public, which she said the space should be expected by November 2026, to not only to acknowledge it but to ensure creatives would hold their leaders accountable as plans move from promise to reality.

“Yesterday, we were particularly heartened to learn that their excellencies, Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams, have earmarked the Old Catholic School and Church, which is situated in the vicinity of the Government House, as a dedicated space for the creatives to meet, showcase, and even trade their offerings,” Marshall said.

These comments formed part of a broader picture of institutional commitment and acknowledgement of the need for creatives to be heard and given a space for growth and development.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne told attendees the government’s Deluxe Cinema refurbishment into a $25 million performing arts centre is expected to be completed by September 2026, ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) opening.

Browne also said the government is drafting intellectual property legislation to protect artists within a few months, while he noted the government’s entrepreneurial development fund which provides financing for creatives, alongside developing plans for creative incubators.

The People’s Forum launch, themed How to Make a Commonwealth Quilt, brought together government officials, creative industry representatives and Commonwealth Foundation leadership to formally place culture at the centre of CHOGM 2026 preparations, providing a unique opportunity for Commonwealth citizens to engage directly with each other and to shape both policy and practice.