According to the American Psychological Association, decades of research confirm that when women are empowered to lead, everyone benefits. And for the cultural and creative industries in Grenada, this statement rings particularly true.
In just 3 years, Grenada has witnessed an incredible creative transformation, thanks largely to the efforts of the Grenada Office of Creative Affairs (GOCA). Established in 2023, GOCA has championed the cause for creatives across the nation. Tasked with cultivating an environment where Grenada’s cultural and creative industries can flourish, GOCA has successfully introduced a series of initiatives to strengthen Grenada’s creative economy. These initiatives, centred around funding, capacity building, policy and raising awareness, have opened up opportunities for creatives that had previously seemed out of reach.
So, who is the driving force behind GOCA’s success? A small, but mighty, team of mainly women.
At the helm is Operations Manager, Tracy Garrett-Baptiste. Tracy runs a tight ship; she is organised, efficient and results oriented. Speaking to Tracy, her passion for creativity shines brightly. “I’ve lived creatively my entire life,” she said. “But growing up, there were no support systems in place, here in Grenada, to guide me in pursuit of creative career. This is why our work at GOCA is so personal for me; I want to ensure that others, especially our youth, have access to the resources and support to follow their creative dreams.”
Reflecting on her creative life, Tracy reveals that she wasn’t always running the show behind-the-scenes. “I was front and centre singing and acting during Festival of the Arts. I even entered a pageant –– Miss AHS –– and finished as the First Runner Up. This was more than a pageant for me; I loved the preparation, styling and storytelling that came with it.” Tracy also recalls how much she enjoyed creating things. “Embroidery and crocheting fascinated me. And, I had the privilege of illustrating a colouring book as part of our Anglican High School Young Leaders project.”
After secondary school, Tracy, like so many others, put creativity to the side in pursuit of a traditional career. “Even if I wanted to study something in the creative field, what would I have done? There were no options available locally at that time.” So, Tracy studied business and eventually entered the corporate world. But her creative instincts never left her.
“Even though I was in a corporate job, I still leaned heavily on my creative side,” Tracy explained. “I was the chaperone, talent coach and fashion designer for one of the contestants in the Ms. Co-op Bank competition. I designed her entire look, from concept to stage, and we won!” Tracy, as the designer of her department’s patriotic outfits, led them to victory on several occasions in the bank’s National Colours Day competitions. Her creative endeavours also brought her into the culinary arts, specifically cake decorating where she won prizes for her cake designs. “To this day, people still request my cakes,” she said, laughing. And later, her creativity extended into planning and executing events like staff socials, themed parties, weddings and baby showers. Tracy gained the reputation as the one who brings ideas to life; a reputation that has followed her through her work in banking, human resources and administration.
“Each of these experiences represents a sector I now champion professionally. Now I see that long before I led the division [GOCA], I was living the creative economy.”
The pride that Tracy has for her team and its accomplishments is prominent as the conversation shifts to back to GOCA. Among the impressive list of GOCA projects and initiatives is the masterclass series that provides creatives with the opportunity to learn from international facilitators. So far, GOCA has run masterclasses in Animation, Multimedia, and Music Production, with more in the works. There’s also Sing Grenada, GOCA’s flagship music youth incubator programme, and the entrepreneurship workshops that help creatives develop their business skills.
When asked to identify the project that is most meaningful to her, Tracy said it was impossible to name just one project, because they are all significant. She eventually settled on the new associate degree programme in Cultural and Creative Industries at T.A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC), with classes commencing in September. “I am really excited about the possibilities that this new programme will offer our young creatives. They won’t have to choose a course of study just because it’s what’s available; they’ll be able to pursue their passions and harness their skills at a tertiary level. This programme also reinforces our position that there are valid and achievable career options within the creative sectors.”
Speaking specifically about her team, Tracy is a proud captain. “I am proud of my team for what we have achieved in such a short space of time. I don’t think many people realise just how small our team is, six of us, based on the magnitude of the projects that we undertake,” she noted. “With the exception of Ambassador Orlando Romain, our advisor, and Troy, the lone GOCA gentleman, the GOCA team is all women. This speaks volumes about the significant role that women play in national development. Not just in the supporting roles that are often assigned to us but making things happen that influence real change. The GOCA women are passionate, purpose-driven and committed to seeing Grenada’s creative economy thrive. Much of our success is due to them.”
Joining Tracy on the GOCA team that makes things happen is Assistant Operations Manager, Ananda Johnson. Ananda never considered herself a creative. “I thought creativity belonged to a particular type of person, and I didn’t see myself in that light,” she said. “Yet being part of the Grenada Office of Creative Affairs (GOCA) has led me to reflect, and I’ve come to realise that I could not have been more mistaken. Creativity has followed me quietly through every stage of my life.”
When asked what it is like being part of the GOCA dream team, Ananda expressed how privileged she feels to be part of a team that transforms lives, particularly for those who may have felt overlooked for years. “The work we do resonates deeply with my nurturing spirit — the innate desire to ensure that others are supported and seen. Even when I struggled to refer to myself as a creative, I have always felt connected to the people we serve. I understand their passion, their challenges, and their longing for more — whether that means resources, opportunity, or simply a cornerstone beyond friends and family.”
Then there is Rayan Solomon, the Office Assistant who is often the first point of contact many people have with GOCA. Creativity has always been part of Rayan’s life. She remembers singing in Sunday morning services, dancing at concerts and keyboard lessons. She later developed a strong interest in makeup artistry, a craft she quickly learned and continues to perfect as a creative outlet.
For Rayan, being part of a team that supports the creative economy is incredibly meaningful to her. “It allows me to witness firsthand the powerful impact that creativity can have on individuals, communities, and national development. Through this experience, I have also had the opportunity to learn many new things and gain a deeper appreciation for the creative sector. I take pride in contributing to an environment that uplifts creatives and encourages innovation. For me, it is truly rewarding to know that the work we do helps create opportunities for artists and creators, ensuring that creativity continues to thrive in Grenada.”
And finally, Kara Goddard Benjamin, GOCA’s Marketing & PR Officer. Kara didn’t give herself permission to call herself a creative until a dear friend told her: “if you create, you are a creative.” Growing up, Kara found herself drawn to storytelling, design and music. She played in the National School Orchestra and with Angel Harps Steel Orchestra. Her interest in drawing led to her first job as a junior architect. From there, Kara says her career took a path that only makes sense in hindsight. “I started out writing blog posts. That gradually evolved into social media marketing, which somehow turned into scriptwriting and video production. Along the way, I picked up graphic design, photography and video editing. Piece by piece, the creative toolkit kept expanding, even while I hesitated to call myself a creative.”
“Today, my work at GOCA allows me to contribute to something that genuinely matters. Sometimes the most rewarding part of the job is helping someone recognise that what they do has value. Looking back, it feels fitting that my path eventually led here. Because long before I worked in the creative economy, I was quietly participating in it.” These are the women of GOCA who make a difference in the lives of Grenada’s creatives every single day. Even when the tasks seem daunting, their commitment never wavers. Their goal remains clear – to ensure Grenada’s creative economy reaches its full potential as a beacon of creative excellence in the Caribbean…and one day, the world.
