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

Kingston, 26 July 2021 – “The Festival Song is back!” declared the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, after the successful staging of the 2021 competition.

The Minister was beaming with satisfaction after the final show and the announcement of the winner live on national television and online.

“A woman has won and what’s interesting… a Dancehall song, a really hardcore Dancehall song has won,” said the Minister as she reflected on this year’s competition.

As was the case last year, the 2021 competition had to be a virtual affair because of restrictions on gatherings to prevent the spread of covid-19.

Despite the absence of road shows across the country to introduce the Jamaica Festival Song finalists, Minister Grange said there was still a very good response to the competition which relied on public vote to determine the winner.

The thousands of people who voted via mobile networks and on the Reggae Jamaica app over a two week period chose the Dancehall artiste, Stacious, with her song titled, ‘Jamaican Spirit’ to be the winner.

“Yes, one for the books, and I’m really happy about that,” said Stacious after being presented with the winner’s trophy and cash prize of three million dollars to be shared among singer, song writer and producer.

Stacious’ song doesn’t sound like the typical Festival Song and the lyrics are different as well. The singer says that’s the point:

“I definitely wanted to come outside of the box. I never wanted to talk about the usual food, the beaches — we know how Jamaica is beautiful. I wanted to pay homage to the real truth behind Jamaica — what makes Jamaica, Jamaica is the people. We are the most creative, the most resilient… we’re just a whole vibe, we’re a mood, we walk into a room [and] everything changes. And I just wanted to celebrate that and pat all of my fellow Jamaicans on the back and say ‘hey, we survived a very hard year [and] we have further to go’”

Minister Grange, who has been working to revitalise and refresh the Jamaica Festival Song competition, said Spacious’ victory will enhance those efforts.

Minister Grange said:
“Stacious’ win will bring in the young people. It will bring in the grassroots people. It will bring in the hardcore dancehall communities. It will make a difference. And with the involvement of I-Octane and Tamo J, we have finally been able to make the Festival Song competition appeal to everybody.

[The Jamaica Festival Song competition] truly reflects the culture because even the genres tonight reflected the different types of Jamaican music…We were able to reach out to Jamaicans and the diversity of the Jamaican society and music.

I would say Festival Song is back and all set for the Diamond Jubilee next year when we celebrate our 60th anniversary [of Independence].”

For the first time, this year there was a ‘Best Performer Award’ which went to dancer turned singer ‘DB’ who also finished second in the popular vote with ‘Love Jamaica My Land’.

Tamo J placed third with his Dancehall song ‘Real Talk (Jamrock)’.

END

Kingston, 24 July 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has released the following statement at the passing of Hugh Nash, the former Chairman and Executive Director of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission.

Minister’s Statement

“I am deeply saddened at the news of the passing of Mr. Hugh Nash, former Executive Director and Chairman of the JCDC. Nicknamed ‘Mr. Festival’ for his work in positioning the Jamaica Festival movement and cultural development at the centre of national development, Nash was a true Jamaican patriot whose energy and commitment to nation-building knew no bounds as he gave tireless service to this the land of his birth.

Mr. Nash was invited by then Minister of Planning and Development, the late former Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Edward Seaga, to develop a document to ensure that culture would play an integral role in the upliftment of the lives of the Jamaican working class. Out of this emerged the Jamaica Festival Commission. When the name was changed to the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, he again led the charge to develop the organisation.

He was one of those humble souls who knew only to give his all to care for the working people of Jamaica.

Mr. Nash was instrumental in the organisation of Things Jamaica through which Jamaican craftsmen, women and artisans received support for development, trade and export.

He also helped to establish the Jamaica National Heritage Trust when its name was changed from National Trust Commission.

The achievements of Hugh Nash in national cultural development were anchored in deep knowledge and appreciation for the working class people of Jamaica whom he saw as creators and guardians of our history and culture. He learnt it all by traversing the villages in his parish Manchester, talking and interacting with the people, while cultivating the management and administrative acumen that reflected his leadership of national cultural development.

With Hugh Nash’s passing, Jamaica has lost a great son, cultural icon and tradition bearer, management and leadership expert.

Mr. Nash never said no to any call to serve his beloved Jamaica. He will be sorely missed.

I say to his family: you have given to Jamaica a cultural powerhouse to whom our nation is grateful. May you take comfort in his service to our country.”

END

Kingston, 14 July 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has said that the sport sector will benefit directly from vaccines now in the island and from more which will come in tomorrow.

The Sport Minister said:

“Six Hundred doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine have come as donation through the efforts of the former coach of the Reggae Girls, Mr Hugh Menzies, and 300 more doses will arrive in the island tomorrow through the efforts of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith and the Chairman of the National Health Fund, Mr Howard Mitchell.

These vaccines are specifically for the use of the sport sector and I really want to thank Mr Menzies for securing the 600 doses primarily for the Jamaica Premier League.

I am happy to report that the majority of athletes going to the Tokyo Olympics have been vaccinated with only a small number who has not been. Now with the single dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine, all can be fully vaccinated before going off to Japan. Athletes who are not vaccinated will be treated differently in Tokyo from those who are and this could negatively affect their activities.

Those who are not yet vaccinated know themselves and I know them too and so I am reaching out and making a special appeal to them to get their jab.”

Meantime, Mr Mitchell said he was pleased that the NHF was able to contribute to the vaccines being available by facilitating customs clearance.

Arrangements are in place for vaccinations to start at the Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre, University of the West Indies, tomorrow, July 15, at 1:30 p.m.

END

Kingston, 8 July 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has announced major changes to the gospel song component of the annual Jamaica Festival.

“Whereas in the past it was the Jamaica Gospel Song competition, this year it is the Jamaica Gospel Star competition,” said Minister Grange.

She said the format of the competition has changed.

Unlike its predecessor, which focused on finalists performing and building momentum for their original song, the Jamaica Gospel Star Competition will see contestants performing cover songs in two weekly televised performance shows.

“Through those performances, vocals, and how they’re able to capture their audience — that is how we will choose the star of gospel for 2021. “We’re looking for that star.”

The 10 finalists for the Jamaica Gospel Star competition include Daynea Deacon Jones who won the Gospel Song Competition in 2018, Mirriam Hibbert who was the runner-up in 2012, Kaydene Smith who was runner-up in 2010 and 2020 as part of the groups ‘Servants’ and ‘Euphoria’ respectively, and Daron Mitchell who was finished 3rd in 2019.

Former National Children’s Gospel winners Kevin Melbourne and Erica Lumsden are also among the Jamaica Gospel Star finalists which are completed by Raheim Betty, Latanya Elliot, Carlington Watson and Malika James.

Minister Grange said “the finalists will be promoted through 4 shows on CVM television. The public will be able to vote for each contestant and through the number of votes polled the Jamaica Gospel Star will be selected.”

The Acting Executive Director of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, Marjorie Leyden-Kirton said “We’re very excited about our first Jamaica Gospel Star Competition. We have high expectations of these experienced and talented finalists who were selected from more than 100 entries. They will bless the nation with their performances.”

END