Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, has announced that proceeds from the One Nation Reggae Festival will be used to support the development of a Creative Village, provide hurricane relief assistance to Jamaica, and contribute to national revenue.

Speaking at a press conference at the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) headquarters on Kingharman Road, the Minister said that Le 230,130 was paid to the National Revenue Authority (NRA), Le 767,100 has been allocated toward the establishment of a Creative Village to support local creative talent, and US$10,000 was donated to assist hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.

Minister Tunis said the festival was organized to promote cultural exchange between Sierra Leone and the Caribbean, while also highlighting Sierra Leone’s historical links to global emancipation and reggae culture. She noted that the six-day event featured live performances, cultural workshops, and community engagement activities, attracting both local and international artists.

According to the Minister, the One Nation Reggae Festival aligns with government efforts to promote creativity, innovation, and tourism development. She emphasized that government support for the event was partial, in line with efforts to encourage greater private-sector participation in the tourism and creative industries.

Minister Tunis commended stakeholders and partners involved in organizing the festival and described it as an important platform for showcasing local talent and strengthening international cultural ties.

The press conference concluded with a question-and-answer session with journalists, during which the Minister and other ministry officials addressed issues related to funding, organization, and the sustainability of the festival.