Kingston, 9 May 2019 – The Honourable Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport today announced that Government has signed a contract with APEC Consultants in relation to the redevelopment of the National Stadium and the Trelawny Stadium. 

The Sport Minister made the announcement as she spoke at the launch function for the 2019 Racers Grand Prix which was held at the Jamaica Pegasus.

“The contract which is valued at Thirty-Million (JA$30M) is for the development of financing proposals for the redevelopment, expansion, and upgrading of these two national facilities. 

“The contract was signed under a programme facilitated by the Public Sector Investment Management Secretariat (PIMSEC) which falls under the Ministry of Finance and aims to streamline the preparation, appraisal of all Government projects to ensure that the Government receives value for money. 

“At the end of the four months for which the contract is signed, we will have a business plan and architectural design for both facilities. 

“There will be a state of the art anti-doping facility at the National Stadium and at least 10,000 more seats. The Bleachers section will also be partly covered.” 

Miss Grange said that the existing velodrome at the National Stadium will also be removed and new one built and there will also be a new Royal Box. 

She said facilities for the media will be put in with upgraded broadcast infrastructure as well as a state of the art gymnasium and meeting and conference rooms “for ongoing small events. 

“At the Trelawny Stadium, a cricket academy will be established along with a running track, a basketball arena, a baseball diamond and that facility too will have a state of the art gym. 

“The redevelopment project will bring the National Stadium and the Trelawny Stadium up to first world standards putting us in a position to demand our share of the lucrative Sports Tourism Market as well as positioning us to host major international sports events in the National Stadium. These facilities will transcend the staging of Sporting events, offering also exciting options for Festival and entertainment events. 

“So ladies and gentlemen, the Government of Jamaica remains firm in its commitment to advance the development of sport and entertainment as critical components of nation building.”  

In congratulating Racers Track Club, Miss Grange said that, “In a short four years, the reputation of the Racers Grand Prix has grown to match those of any of the major stagers of international track and field meets.
“This is not surprising because of the work that the Racers Track Club has put in to make the Grand Prix worthy of world ranking. 

The Racers Grand Prix will be held at the National Stadium on June 8.

Kingston, 8 May 2019 – The Honourable Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, has said that it is a proud accomplishment that the 2019 Institute of Sports (INSPORTS) Primary School Track and Field Championship has attracted a record number of schools from all of the parishes.

Minister Grange spoke today at the National Indoor Sports Centre as she officially launched the 39^th staging of the Meet, which starts tomorrow (May 9), “This year it is a record 217 schools and all 14 parishes that have indicated they are participating. Is this not wonderful that a record has already been set without a race being run. 

Miss Grange pointed to the fact that as of this year, because of the substantial increase in the number of participating schools, the championships is now zoned into Eastern, Western and Central. 

 “We must note that this accomplishment is due to the outstanding work of the INSPORT staff in the field and with assistance from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information.”  
“As we develop even further, my vision for the 40^th staging next year, is to host in the National Stadium a boys and girls’ primary schools’ championships as big as the secondary schools’ championships.”

She paid tribute to retired Sports Officer Keith Lattimore, whose pioneering work was responsible for the Meet which started with just five schools.  

The Sport Minister announced that this year, the top school will receive $250,000.00; second place $200,000.00 and third place $150,000.00. Schools placing from 4^th to 10^th will receive $75,000.00 each. 

She said the prize money will be used for the purchase of gear and equipment for the winning school. 

“I urge Jamaicans to come out to see the wonderful performances that we know these youngsters are capable of.” 

The three-day Meet, which takes place at the National Stadium, is free to the public.

Kingston 7 May 2019 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has announced four national projects for Labour Day on May 23, 2019. 

The four projects are the Papine High School in St Andrew, Holland Primary School in St Elizabeth, Fair Prospect Primary School in Portland and the Barrett Town All Age/John Rollins Primary School in St James. 

 Speaking at the launch of Workers’ Week and Labour Day at the Office of the Prime Minister this morning (Tuesday), Minister Grange said the projects were proposed by the broad-based National Labour Day Committee in keeping with the theme for Labour Day 2019: Child Safety…it’s you, it’s me, it’s all ah we. 

“Translated this means that all of us must come together and ensure that our children are safe and secure.  This is a responsibility that we must take very seriously. Collectively we must assure them safe passage as they journey to adulthood and national productivity,” said Minister Grange. 

The scope of work includes installation of pedestrian crossings, installation of rumble strips, paving of roads, installation of sidewalks, installation of bus lay-by, installation of fencing, installation of signage, bushing of school environs and painting of murals. 

The works will be carried out with the support of Unicef, the JN Foundation and JSIF which are working closely with the National Labour Day Committee this year. 

Additionally, there will be parish projects, organised and led by Mayors and Councillors across the island. 

Minister Grange has invited Jamaicans to “volunteer in activities geared at making our children safe and secure as they move about our communities.” 

The Minister encouraged people to register their projects with the municipal corporations, with the Labour Day Secretariat in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport or on the JIS website. 

Labour Day on May 23 is the culmination of Workers’ Week activities.  Workers’ Week, which begins on May 19 was launched by Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness this morning (Tuesday).  Workers’ Week is being observed under the theme “Yes to decent work; No to child labour”. 

A schedule of Workers’ Week activities follows:

MESSAGE BY THE HONOURABLE OLIVIA GRANGE, CD, MP

MINISTER OF CULTURE, GENDER, ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORT

FOR INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY

30 April 2019

Today, we celebrate International Jazz Day and the power of the music to bring people together in love, peace and unity.

We also celebrate the influence of Jazz on Jamaican music and the contribution of Jamaican musicians to Jazz internationally.

Our musicians such as Bertie King, Dizzy Reece, Monty Alexander and Ernie Ranglin established themselves internationally — long before ska, rock steady and Reggae captivated the world.

Those early Jazz musicians set the foundation for Bob Marley and others to place Jamaica at the top of the international music scene.

Today the Reggae music of Jamaica is at the centre of brand Jamaica.

In celebration of International Jazz Day, the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport joins the Edna Manley School of Visual and Performing Arts in staging a Concert at Devon House this evening.

We’re happy to have the acclaimed Trombonist Steve Turre join with our local Jazz musicians for what promises to be a great evening of music.

I hope you’ll join us.

Olivia Grange, CD, MP

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport

Kingston 29 April 2019 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has expressed sadness at the passing of the celebrated photojournalist and portrait photographer, Maria LaYacona.

LaYacona, who was a long-serving member of the Board of Directors of the National Gallery of Jamaica, passed away on Sunday.

Minister Grange said LaYacona was an “outstanding photographer who showcased her enduring passion for the people of Jamaica and its landscape.”

The Minister recalled that LaYacona — who was originally from Ohio in the United States — came to Jamaica in 1955 for an assignment, fell in love with the island and made it her home until her passing.

Minister Grange said:

“Maria LaYacona contributed significantly to documenting Jamaican heritage through her lens. She was known for her sensitive and engaging portraiture which made her the portraitist of choice for several Jamaicans, including Prime Ministers. She was also the official photographer for the National Dance Theatre Company and leaves behind an impressive and extensive visual collection that captures essential people, places and things in the development of modern Jamaica.”

Minister Grange has extended condolences to Maria LaYacona’s family and friends.

Kingston 26 April 2019 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, says she’s optimistic about finding solutions to address the ongoing conflict between the police and promoters/producers of events.

Minister Grange was speaking today (Friday) after meeting the Minister of National Security, the Honourable Dr Horace Chang, the police, NEPA and other stakeholders to consider amendments to the Noise Abatement Act which regulates entertainment events.

According to Minister Grange, the meeting “looked at hours that would be approved, days, the extensions, entertainment zones, and other relevant matters. I’m happy to say that we have arrived at a framework within which we will work.”

Minister Chang noted that “we have been having major challenges in our entertainment activities throughout the country and some places are particularly difficult, especially places like Negril, because of the current law that controls entertainment.”

Dr Chang said today’s meeting was the beginning of a process to deal with the challenges.

Dr Chang said:

“Entertainment is one of our largest industries and an area [in which] we have more of our humble people with creative talent having the opportunity to develop and give individuals good income and improve their quality of life. And we have to ensure that we put Jamaica’s entertainment industry on a solid legal footing.”

The Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, Fitz Bailey, who attended today’s meeting said he would discuss the proposals with the Commissioner, other members of the High Command as well as divisional commanders.

Mr Bailey said:

“We will have further dialogue because we believe that it’s a partnership approach that needs to be taken to treat with the issue of entertainment because it is important to the development of Jamaica.

We don’t want entertainers to see us as their enemies. We are friends. And we want to work as best as possible to resolve some of the issues that we are currently faced with.”

Minister Grange said the next step is for a small working group to “look at the immediate amendments that can be made to the noise abatement legislation and to see how we can, within the immediate future, address some of the problems and arrive at solutions in relation to events.”

Kingston 24 April 2019 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has announced a “new approach to how the Ministry makes decisions” and how it will "direct investments in sport.”

Minister Grange outlined the new approach in a meeting with national sports federations and associations on Wednesday (today).

In explaining the reason for the changes, Minister Grange said:

"Public funding of sports is an investment for which good returns are expected. Therefore, we must review and update our processes to ensure that public money that is invested with sport governing bodies is well managed. At the end of the day, we must all be able to say we received value for money from our expenditure on sport.”

Under the new arrangements, the Sports Development Foundation will no longer consider requests for funding from sports federations/associations without a full accounting for monies being requested. Federations/associations are also now required to submit outstanding financial reports to be eligible for further financial support.

Minister Grange made clear that the new requirement will also apply in the case of requests to use national sports facilities. The new approach also has implications not only for sports governing bodies but for other entities that organise and promote competitions and which seek sponsorship from the SDF and from the Ministry.

“I believe this new requirement will help us to bring about greater accountability — which is something that we all desire,” said Minister Grange. She continued: “Greater accountability will also make local federations more attractive to private sector sponsors. There is no downside to having greater accountability.”

The Minister pointed out that some national federations/associations do not routinely submit financial reports, and urged them to move swiftly to become compliant with the reporting requirements.

Minister Grange said:

“If you receive over five million dollars from the Sports Development Foundation as subvention, you must provide audited financial statements annually. If you receive below five million dollars, you need to submit a financial statement.

“The organisations that receive monthly subventions must submit quarterly reports.

“And so I’m putting everybody on notice. If [your quarterly reports are] not submitted, your monthly subvention will be held. In other words, I’m saying to you, we have to get our house in order, we have to respond to you when you call on us, so you need to get your house in order so that we, as a team, can proudly say to the people of Jamaica ‘your money is being wisely spent’”.

END

Kingston 17 April 2019 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, is urging anyone with information about the death of eight-year-old Shante Skyers to make a report to the police.

The girl’s body was found in Sterling Castle Heights, St Andrew on Tuesday. She was reported missing on Thursday, 11 April 2019.

Minister Grange has urged people in the community to “say what they know about Shante’s death.”

According to her:

“We cannot remain silent. Any piece of information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, can help the investigators to bring the perpetrator to justice and prevent them from harming other children.”

Kingston, 17 April 2019 - The Honourable Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport has told newly-elected President of Cricket West Indies, Mr Ricky Skerritt, that she has two major concerns that she wishes the regional body to address as priority.

Miss Grange spoke with Mr Skerritt who called on her at her New Kingston offices today.

“First, I wish that CWI pay more attention to developing cricket at the national level “as you strive for the further of the development of West Indies cricket.

“Cricket West Indies should invest more in cricket in the various countries from which the West Indies team is drawn,”

the Sport Minister said,

“and the focus must be more so on cricket at the grass root levels right down to infant and prep schools.”

The Minister said there was also the pressing need for the Region to give more attention to women’s cricket. “There are no real leagues for women’s cricket in the Caribbean. There is the Senior and Junior Cups for male players in Jamaica; where is the Senior and Junior Cups for our females?” the Minister asked.

She said that it was to their great credit that the West Indies women had done so well in world cricket without “adequate supporting structures.”

The Minister also called for more women in the leadership of cricket. 

She assured Mr Skerritt that the Ministry was looking forward to continued collaboration with the new administrations of Cricket West Indies and the Jamaica Cricket Association.  

Mr Skerritt said that CWI was taking the Minister’s concerns on board and in fact had plans to invest more in grass root cricket with emphasis on “kiddies cricket”. 

The new CWI President said also that improvements affecting women’s cricket were coming, noting that the process had already begun with increasing the salaries of West Indies women team to the level of those paid to the men.

Mr Skerritt also informed the Minister that the major objective for his visit to Jamaica was to raise funds. He said, “low inflows of cash in the last financial year because of the sparsity of international cricket in the Caribbean, has affected us.”

Mr Skerritt said that so far his visit had been “reaping fruits.”   

The CWI President was accompanied to his meeting with Minister Grange by Mr Wilfred “Billy” Heaven, President of Jamaica Cricket Association; Mr Johnny Grave, CEO of Cricket West Indies; Mr Jimmy Adams, Director of Cricket; and Mr Barry Thomas, Finance Director of Cricket West Indies.  

Kingston 17 April 2019 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has described the former West Indies Cricket Board President, Pat Rousseau, as one of the “greatest administrators” of the game.

Minister Grange was reacting to news of Mr Rousseau’s passing.

Minister’s Statement follows:

“I’ve received the very sad news of the passing of Pat Rousseau, the former President of the West Indies Cricket Board.  

Much like our great players, Pat Rousseau was a great figure in West Indies cricket and he will be remembered as one of the greatest administrators of the game.  

There were many important developments in West Indies cricket under his watch, including the staging of the Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean, the corporate transformation of the WICB to Cricket West Indies which led to improvements in many areas including the financial situation of the regional organisation, among others.

Pat Rousseau served well and made a considerable difference in the administration of cricket in the West Indies.

I offer sincerest condolences to his family and to the cricket fraternity in Jamaica and throughout the region at this time.”