Fewwture sits down with Senator the Hon. Shane Archer, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Youth and Culture, for a candid conversation about leadership, creativity and the future of Barbados.

Shane reflects on his journey through sport, community, entertainment and entrepreneurship before entering government, and how those experiences now influence his approach to leadership.

The conversation goes deeper into the creative economy and youth development — from treating creatives as legitimate professionals and creating opportunities beyond Crop Over, to improving systems, getting creatives paid faster, developing community spaces and preparing young Barbadians for a future shaped by technology and new industries.

Shane also shares his vision for initiatives such as Studio on Wheels and using community centres to bring creative, technical and entrepreneurial opportunities directly to young people.

As Shane puts it: “We can’t be operating in a 1994 model in 2026.”

This episode is about what happens when culture is viewed as more than entertainment — and instead becomes a tool for economic development, community building and creating opportunity.

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