Kingston, 4 January 2022 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has paid tribute to the Chairman of the Council of the Institute of Jamaica, James Moss-Solomon.

Minister’s Statement

“We are deeply saddened at the passing of James Moss-Solomon, the Chairman of the Council of the Institute of Jamaica.

He was one of our great business leaders, and we recently appointed him to Chair the Council. Quickly, Jimmy started a process to make the IOJ more nimble and responsive to the people of Jamaica. The IOJ and the Ministry will miss his leadership, but we will continue the necessary transformational work that he started.

Jimmy was also a creative with extraordinary talent. He was an excellent bass guitarist and keyboard player and once led a band that included Dr. Aggrey Irons.

I join with all those who mourn the passing of this outstanding Jamaican today.

Let us keep his family in our thoughts and prayers at this time.”

END

Kingston, 1 November 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, said today that the Government is now in a position to re-admit spectators — albeit in a limited way — beginning with the World Cup Qualifier between Jamaica and the United States at the National Stadium on November 16.

Five thousand vaccinated spectators will be allowed to watch the game inside the National Stadium but will have to buy their tickets online. This they can do from Wednesday, November 3, 2021, via an Events Authorisation System app which is being introduced to facilitate the online purchase of tickets.

People wishing to purchase tickets will have to produce their vaccination cards and valid means of identification.

Minister Grange’s comments came at a news conference involving the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, the Honourable Desmond McKenzie; and the Minister of Health and Wellness, the Honourable Dr Christopher Tufton, to announce plans for the World Cup Qualifier.

She said: “We are using this event to signal a significant change in how we will manage sporting events going forward.

“Last year June, we developed a road map, outlining the requirements and the process for resuming training and competition. Using that roadmap, we were able to safely host ISSA Boys and Girls Championships; development track and field meets; the National Senior and Junior Trials; the National Premier League; as well as the National Championships for table tennis, golf, tennis, chess, equestrian, squash, triathlon; swim meets at the National Aquatic Centre; the West Indies versus Pakistan cricket series; the Sunshine Netball Series; and two FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

“This required a whole of government approach, working with our various sport stakeholders.

“Working together, we have been able to host many sporting activities safely — without putting our athletes, our communities or our country at risk. I am proud that we are now in a position to take the next steps in our management of sports events during this era of covid 19.

“It will not only be a test for the Reggae Boyz, but for the entire nation as we move into the next phase in the management of covid 19.

“We want to ensure that all our sportspeople can return to competition; and we also want to ensure the fans can return to the match venues. But fans cannot return until we achieve a high level of vaccination across the country. Therefore, I use this opportunity to appeal to everyone — who has not yet done so — to get vaccinated.”

Minister McKenzie said all necessary measures will be in place at the National Stadium in accordance with the covid-19 protocols.

For his part, Health and Wellness Minister Tufton said, “we must show our appreciation to those who have got themselves vaccinated and let it be shown that those who are not vaccinated are at a disadvantage.”

He said: “The move to allow spectators into the National Stadium represents a giant step forward in normalising operations whilst covid-19 is still with us.”

END

Kingston, 19 September 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has said that the Government intends to restore the boyhood home of the Reggae pioneer, Bunny Wailer, which was damaged by fire yesterday (Saturday).

The house, located on Second Street in Trench Town, St Andrew, had been declared a Protected Site by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust in 2018.

Bunny Wailer lived at the property with his father, sister, and step-mother, Cedella Booker (Bob Marley’s mother).

It was in Trench Town where Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer met Peter Tosh and became the Wailing Wailers.

Minister Grange said the two-storey house on Second Street “represents the space in which the creative genius of three Jamaican artistes put to music their sorrows, struggles, determination and messages of love, underpinned by Rastafari philosophy and the Reggae beat.”

Minister Grange said the Jamaica National Heritage Trust would soon commence an assessment of the damage to the structure towards restoration.

END

Kingston, 11 September 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has issued the following statement at the passing of Jamaican singer, Karen Smith.

Minister’s Statement

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Karen Smith. A voice that reverberated among the cultural and entertainment icons is now muted and the silence echoes with her amazing personality, grace and love for her people.

Karen was one of the queens of stage performance. Whether she was performing at national or international events or in little country churches, she was always engaging, entertaining and charming.

In her performances and in her leadership role, Karen has left an indelible imprint on the culture, arts and entertainment landscape of Jamaica. She was an active contributor to the cause of industry development.

We will always remember Karen’s legendary voice, engaging personality, enduring warmth and her advocacy.

I offer sincerest condolences to her husband Jackie Jackson, daughter Courtni, mother Barbara, and other relatives and friends.

Jamaica’s quintessential songbird now sings in the choirs of New Jerusalem.

Walk good Karen into God’s eternal peace”.

END

Kingston, 8 September 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has announced plans for a new monument in tribute to the cultural icon, the Honourable Louise Bennett Coverley.

The new monument will be part of a ‘Miss Lou Corner’ to be established at Emancipation Park in St Andrew.

Minister Grange said:
“Miss Lou Corner will feature a life size statue of our mother of culture, but it will be a statue with a difference. It will depict the love and care Miss Lou had for children. She will be in a sitting position with children having the opportunity to literally sit in her lap, while listening to her reciting poems and telling stories.”

‘Miss Lou Corner’, to be established by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport in partnership with the National Housing Trust and Fontana Pharmacy, will be a Jamaica 60 Legacy Project.

Minister Grange made the announcement as she marked the 102nd anniversary of the birth of Miss Lou on Tuesday.

In her tribute, Minister Grange said that Miss Lou "really sensitised successive generations of Jamaicans to the beauty and richness of their mother tongue, music, dance, folklore and heritage; and helped to remove the stigma associated with celebrating Jamaican cultural forms.”

Minister Grange said the Government was working to “ensure that current and future generations are aware of and develop an appreciation for Miss Lou’s significant contribution to Jamaica and our culture.”

In keeping with that commitment, the Government in 2018 established Miss Lou Square in Gordon Town, St Andrew, featuring a life-sized bronze statue of the author, poet, playwright, comedienne, performer, folklorist, social commentator, and children’s champion. It also established the Miss Lou Archive at the National Library of Jamaica in 2019 with information on her life and work. And recently, a mural in her honour was completed at the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica complex in Half Way Tree, St Andrew where Miss Lou hosted her pioneering children’s television programme ‘Ring Ding’ between 1970 and 1982.

The mural is part of a series being done across Jamaica to mark the Diamond Jubilee.

END

Kingston, 29 August 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has confirmed the passing of the Reggae pioneer, record producer and singer Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry.

Minister Statement

“I have spoken with his son and other members of the family, and I can confirm the sad news that Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry passed away at the Noel Holmes Hospital in Hanover.

Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry was a giant of Jamaican music. His contribution to developing and propelling Ska, Rocksteady and Reggae has been mammoth.

He started as an apprentice to the legendary ‘Sir Coxone’ at Studio 1 in the 1950’s and spent the rest of his life helping to develop Jamaican music.

‘Scratch’ was an outstanding producer and singer, but he was also an inspirational figure who helped young singers and musicians to develop their craft.

I recall his work with Bob Marley. It is said that ‘Scratch’ helped with formulating Marley’s unique sound. The story is told that ‘Scratch’ gave his ‘Upsetter’ band to Marley and that band later became known as ‘The Wailers’.

Some of Lee Perry’s great works with The Wailers have included ‘Duppy Conqueror’, ‘Small Axe’, ‘Rastaman Live Up', and ‘Jah Live’.

Lee Perry has produced an impressive body of work that charts the evolution of Jamaican music — with more than 1,000 songs over 60 years. His latest release

in 2019 was a 12-track album, ‘Heavy Rain’ that topped the Billboard Reggae Album Charts.

What a man, what a music, what a life, what a genius!

I am incredibly saddened by his passing, but I will continue to celebrate his genius and the body of work he’s given us.

I express sincere condolences to his widow, Mireille, his children, his entire family, friends, colleagues and fans across the world who all mourn today.”

END

Kingston, 10 August 2021 (JIS) - No permits will be granted for entertainment events over the next three weeks, as the Government moves to contain the current spike in coronavirus cases. From August 11 to August 31, no small or large events such as concerts, parties, tailgate parties and round robins will be permitted.

Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, made the announcement during a digital press conference on Monday (August 9), where he outlined the revised coronavirus containment measures.

He stressed that the new measures will be strictly enforced, and warned that the police will close down any event that is being held illegally.

During this period, nightclubs and certain places of amusement are to be closed.

In addition, gyms, restaurants, zoos, parks, and bars are to operate at a maximum of 50 per cent of capacity. Capacity is determined by using the physical distance rule of one person to every 40 square feet of useable space for the area.

Mr. Holness further informed that no more than 50 persons will be permitted to physically attend a wedding and for annual and extraordinary general meetings of entities, the maximum number of persons permitted to attend physically is 50.

In terms of events hosted by public entities such as handover ceremonies, launches, groundbreakings, and opening ceremonies, Mr. Holness informed that no more than 30 persons are permitted to be in physical attendance.

The limit of 30 persons remains in place for funeral services and burials. This includes mourners as well as clergy and any support personnel. Burials can be done only on Mondays to Fridays during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the time for conducting burials continues to be limited to 30 minutes,” the Prime Minister said.

Turning to travel protocols, Mr. Holness informed that these remain the same, where all persons are required to present a negative COVID-19 test within three days prior to their travel date. Additionally, the list of countries from which travel to Jamaica is not allowed remains the same. These are: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, India, Paraguay, Peru and Trinidad and Tobago.
The Prime Minister noted, however, that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Health & Wellness are working on arrangements to facilitate the entry of university students from Trinidad and Tobago, who are pursuing studies in Jamaica.

Mr. Holness said that given the recent “exponential” rise in the number of confirmed covid-19 cases in the country, “we are now clearly seeing our third wave”.

He said that the Government’s focus in crafting the measures for the next three weeks has been on controlling the spread sufficiently to allow for the reopening of schools to facilitate structured face-to-face learning in September.

“As it stands now, this goal is severely challenged. We are still hopeful that we would be able to have some form of reopening. We are targeting mid-September, but it really depends on what we, as Jamaicans, do in the next three to four weeks,” he said.

The Prime Minister again implored persons to do their part in controlling the spread of the virus by adhering to the infection prevention and control measures. These include wearing a mask while in public, maintaining a distance of at least six feet from other persons, and frequently washing or sanitising hands.

END

Kingston, 5 August 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has congratulated Jamaica’s Hansle Parchment on winning the Olympic 110 metre hurdles title in Tokyo.

Parchment ran his season’s best 13.04 seconds in the final to upset the favourite, Grant Holloway of the United States who clocked 13.09.

The other Jamaican in the race, Ronald Levy, clocked 13.10 for the bronze medal.

Minister Grange said:

“I believe this is one of the sweetest victories that we will ever see by an athlete who has had to overcome so much on his way to becoming an Olympic champion. Hansle Parchment’s story is one of resilience. He’s had to work so hard; he’s shown such dedication and commitment as he overcame injury after injury. So, I’m really happy to see him achieve his goal of becoming the Olympic sprint hurdles champion — and in such a thrilling fashion.

And I’m overjoyed that Ronald Levy also won a medal. I congratulate him on taking the bronze and representing Jamaica so well. They’ve done very well and deserve our full support.”

Minister Grange also sent congratulations to Christopher Taylor who ran his personal best time of 44.79 while finishing 6th in the men’s 400 metres final.

END

Kingston, 3 August 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has welcomed the decision of the Commissioner of Police, Major General Antony Anderson, to order an investigation into claims that the police in Clarendon forcibly trimmed the locks of a young Rastafarian woman of the Nyabinghi Order.

Minister Grange:
“If the allegation is true, it would be a gross violation of the young woman’s human rights and a very serious disrespect to her sacred religious practice.

It is wrong for any person to forcibly cut the hair of another person, or discriminate or deny services because of how a person wears his/her hair.

I await the Commissioner’s investigation and the actions that will follow. The investigation must be quick and transparent; and if the allegations are proven, there must be sanctions against those responsible.

I agree with General Anderson’s statement that ‘any police officer who in 2021 would violate any person’s rights in this way would not be suitable to continue as a policeman/woman.’”

END

Kingston, 31 July 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has praised Jamaican women sprinters, led by Elaine Thompson-Herah, for sweeping the medals in the 100 metres at the Tokyo Olympic games in Japan on Saturday (today).

Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah defended her Olympic title by setting a new championship and Jamaican record time of 10.61 seconds in the final to become the second fastest woman on the all-time list.

Thompson-Herah won ahead of compatriots Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (10.74) and Shericka Jackson (10.76) who ran her personal best time.

Minister Grange said it was one of the greatest achievements in Jamaica’s sports history.

The Minister said:
“My tears flow for a grateful nation. Jamaica leads the world in female sprint. I want to congratulate Elaine Thompson-Herah on successfully defending her Olympic title.

She has made our small nation extremely proud once again, winning gold in a new Olympic Record of 10.61 and becoming the second fastest woman of all time. I am overwhelmed.

I want to also congratulate Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce on her silver medal. She worked very hard and she’s deserving of being on the podium.

I also congratulate Shericka Jackson on winning the bronze. Again, I have to commend her. She has really shone and she has really made us proud.

So, for the second time in Olympic history, Jamaica has swept the podium places. What a great nation!

I’m so happy as the Minister of Sport and I’m sure all of Jamaica shares my joy. At home the pans and the pots would have sounded.

Clean sweep Team Jamaica."

END