United Nations, New York (14 November 2025) – Demonstrating the nation’s commitment to the arts, culture and creative economy, and in furtherance of its multilateral obligations, Saint Kitts and Nevis recently acceded to the Rome Convention for the Protection of Performers, Producers of Phonograms and Broadcasting Organizations (1961).
The Rome Convention, established on October 26, 1961, was adopted to address the need for legal protection for performers, record producers, and broadcasters who contribute significantly to the creative and economic aspects of literary and artistic works. This protection helps safeguard the substantial investments performers, producers and broadcasters make in creating, curating, and transmitting content to audiences.
Senior Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Economic Development and Investment, the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas said, “This accession builds on the creation and expansion of the culture and creative sector as the federation diversifies its economy to build sustainability, resilience and security to generate income for aspiring artists. With the proper regulatory framework in place, artists can leverage their intellectual property to build wealth, secure their families and future.”
Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew shared, “The creative sector is very near and dear to my heart. It is an area that my administration has chosen to focus on, not just for the cultural impact, or entertainment value, but as a viable avenue for income generation, economic development, and potential for inclusive growth. My administration’s commitment is evident in the work being undertaken by the Honourable Samal Duggins, and his team within the Ministry of Creative Economy and Entertainment and The Arts.”
Prime Minister Drew continued, “Additionally, the recent UNESCO World Conference on Culture and Sustainable Development 2025, lights our way for mainstreaming of culture across our development agenda. Practically, culture has the potential to do more for everyone and our collective thrust toward a Sustainable Island State. Culture and creativity have proven to lift people out of poverty and reinforce the worth and belonging of everyone and each community. Whether you are a calypsonian, songwriter, broadcaster, producer, visual artist, poet, author, playwright, dancer, designer, or content creator detailing the glories of Saint Kitts and Nevis, my administration believes that your artistry and entrepreneurship must be protected by law. You must benefit from your imagination, creativity, originality, efforts, and the time invested in your work.”
The Rome Convention emerged during a period of significant technological advancement in the mid-20th century. As recording technologies and broadcasting capabilities expanded, it became increasingly apparent that the existing copyright frameworks were insufficient to address the rights of everyone involved in bringing creative works to the public.
The Rome Convention represents a landmark extension of intellectual property protection beyond traditional copyright. While copyright traditionally protected authors and composers, the Rome Convention recognized that performers, record producers, and broadcasters also make significant creative and economic contributions that deserve legal protection. This convention established the framework for what are commonly called “neighbouring rights” or “related rights” – those rights closely connected to but distinct from copyright.
The instrument of accession was deposited at the United Nations’ Treaty Office on November 6, 2025, by Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations H. E. Dr. Mutryce Williams. It will enter into force three months from the date of deposit, on February 6, 2026.
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