Protection and Reward encourages Creativity

Copyright systems by nature fulfill two basic human rights; first, that of being recognized for your creation and, secondly, being compensated for use of your work. High achievers in the creative field are called, for example, a ‘Star’, ‘Maestro’, ‘Genius’, ‘Gifted’ and other terms of endearment. It is undeniable that mankind love praises to be heaped on them, it’s an uplifting thing and whether you are a calypsonian, dancer, long distance runner, office manager or politician for that matter, you are encouraged to continue producing and improving when you or your work and talent are loved and your achievements respected.
A copyright system that is able to collect and distribute royalties back to the creators is even more of an incentive to continue to produce more and more works and as the competition grows, you are challenged to produce even better and greater works. There are no restraints on how far you can reach especially in this technological age of instant communication. If you have a ‘hot’ tune, be assured that producers around the world will hear of it sooner or later and will fight each other to sign you up.
We have seen literally hundreds of ‘new’ songwriters emerge in Saint Lucia following the formation of HMS. The society has seen its membership grow by over 100% in each of the first three years of operating. This growth is as a direct result of HMS being able to make payments to members for performances of their music.

Good news spread quite quickly in the creative community especially in an area where financial compensation for use of your work was not forthcoming prior to HMS. Competition to write and release new material and get this to the radio stations in order to pick up royalty payments is fierce amongst HMS members, and as a result more and more music is being released throughout the year.
As a result of greater local content, broadcasters now have more choice on what to play as more local works are presented to them on a regular basis. We have seen the level of local content being played on radio stations shift from an average of under 10% in 2001 to an average of over 25% today with Radio St. Lucia leading the way followed by Radio 100. Even a station such as the Wave, with a format different to other local stations is able to find local music that ‘fits’ their format. There is even talk of a strictly local radio station being introduced soon (unheard of 6 or so years ago when Brit/US pop and a little reggae ruled the airwaves in Saint Lucia). HMS can now boast of being the catalyst to a reversal of fortunes for Saint Lucian songwriters and related businesses, because the lion’s share of income colleted in Saint Lucia now remains in Saint Lucia as result of greater local consumption and advocacy by HMS with the support of the CDF & STAMP.
Further information on HMS can be found on our website (www.hmsstlucia.org) or tune in to Radio St. Lucia every Saturday at 10.00 a.m. for Musically Speaking a public information programme of the Hewanorra Musical Society hosted by TC Brown.