Kingston, 24 March 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has said that her Ministry is launching a mental health programme within the next few weeks to help the nation’s athletes to cope with the effects of covid-19.

“The covid-19 pandemic has seriously disrupted the lives and livelihood of our athletes, coaches, and their support staff; and we feel that it is extremely important to provide them with the support they require. We’ve provided financial support and we also think that they need support through a mental health programme to help them to deal with the existing situation,” said Minister Grange.

The mental health programme for Jamaican athletes is being implemented with local and international support.

Minister Grange said:
“We’ve drawn on the support of an international body, Optimisation Hub, which operates out of Australia. They have worked closely with the Olympics and other international bodies in these matters. And, of course, it will be in partnership with our local mental health specialists including psychologists and psychiatrists.”

The Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Saphire Longmore, will lead the programme which will be launched on April 15 with a virtual seminar.

In the meantime, Dr Longmore is available to provide counselling and information that any athlete, coach, or federation/association requires.

Minister Grange said:
“I’ve written to all the associations and federations to advise them of this programme. We have provided them with the contact information for Dr Longmore who will be like a clearing house to assist them to speak with different specialists in the areas where there is a need.”

The mental health programme is the latest in a series of actions by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport to “assist athletes, coaches, and their support teams to go through this trying period.”

Minister Grange said the Ministry will continue to provide financial support to the sports sector.

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Kingston, 24 March 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has released the following statement at the passing of racehorse trainer, Wayne DaCosta.

Minister’s Statement

"I join with the family, the racehorse industry, and wider national sports family in mourning the passing of trainer, Wayne DaCosta.

We had been praying for his full recovery and I had heard through his son, Jason, that Wayne was regaining his strength; so I was shocked to receive this very sad news today.

Wayne DaCosta served horseracing with distinction. His contribution has been mammoth and his impact will continue to be felt for a long time. Wayne DaCosta is simply one of the greatest trainers that Jamaica has produced and he quite rightly won the trainers’ title a record 18 times.

If horseracing is indeed the sport of kings, then Wayne wore his crown with distinction.

I offer deepest condolences to his widow, his children, and other members of the family. I ask that we keep them in our prayers at this time.”

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Kingston, 22 March 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has provided national women’s cricketer, Rashada Williams, with assistance to continue her university education.

Williams, who is reading for a first degree in Physical Education, has been given Five Hundred Thousand Dollars (J$500,000) to assist with tuition expenses.

Presenting a cheque to the young cricketer, Minister Grange said:
“In this particular case, I’m extremely proud because I happen to be the Member of Parliament. Rashada lives in my constituency. She’s a product of Spanish Town.

Through the Sports Development Foundation, she’s getting assistance to continue her education. And I really want to thank the Sports Development Foundation for the support that they’re giving her [and I want] to encourage her to continue to strive to be the best.”

Rashada Williams said the assistance would “fill a major gap” as she moves to complete her undergraduate studies.

The young cricketer dreams of becoming “a cemented player in the West Indies team” and a source of “empowerment to the future generation”.

Minister Grange described Williams as a inspirational cricketer who “did not get a chance to play in school [as she was not allowed to play on the boys’ team]; there was not a female league that she could participate in, but in spite of that, she continued to work and she continues to do well”.

Minister Grange said “I really want to encourage her. Whatever support that can be given to her through the Sports Development Foundation I will advocate for her; and I know that she will make Jamaica proud.”

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Kingston, 21 March 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has issued the following statement at the passing of Peter Moodie.

Minister’s Statement

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of former race car champion driver and mechanic, Peter Moodie, Snr.

Peter in no uncertain way, has earned himself a place in the top drawer of motor sports in Jamaica.

His superb skills as a race car driver were matched only by his phenomenal knowledge of the workings of motor vehicles. In fact, he was one of the pioneers and for the last four decades, the leading figure in circuit and go-cart racing.

In addition, Peter was a top notch instructor, ensuring that the knowledge was passed on to the succeeding drivers in the sport.

With the passing of Peter Moodie, Snr, Jamaica has lost one who was totally dedicated to the development of his sport and his country.

My heart goes out to his family, his friends, and all those involved in motor sports in general.

May his soul rest in peace.”

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Kingston, 14 March 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has hailed the posthumous victory of the Reggae legend Toots Hibbert in the Grammy Awards for 2020 which were announced today.

Toots and the Maytals won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album with 'Got to Be Tough’.

Minister Grange said she was “very pleased to hear that Toots had won the Reggae Grammy.”

Minister Grange said:
“Toots put his all into this album and I’m very glad to see him recognised for his creative excellence and musical genius. This is a great moment of celebration, not only for Toots’ family, his team or his record label, but for all Jamaicans, especially those of us in the Reggae industry.”

‘Got to Be Tough’ was released just days before Toots died last year.

The album won ahead of ‘One World’ by the Wailers, ‘Upside Down 2020’ by Buju Banton, ‘Higher Place’ by Skip Marley, and ‘It All Comes Back To Love’ by Maxi Priest.

Minister Grange congratulated all the nominees.

It’s the second Grammy Award for Toots and the Maytals who won the Best Reggae Album for 2004 with ‘True Love’.

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Kingston, 14 March 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, says the monument to Violet Moss Brown is set to become the first in a series to mark Jamaica’s Diamond Jubilee.

Mrs Moss-Brown, who was affectionately called ‘Aunt V’, was record holder for world’s ‘Oldest living person’ and ‘Oldest living woman’.

Minister Grange said the monument — a life-size bust — will be erected in Duanvale, Trelawny, where ‘Aunt V’ lived.

The Minister said arrangements were being made to “have the bust ready for unveiling on the anniversary of ‘Aunt V’s passing.”

‘Aunt V’ died on September 15, 2017 at the age of 117 years and 189 days — a few months after she officially claimed the title of world’s ‘Oldest living person’ on July 27, 2017.

Minister Grange said the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport will work with the Trelawny Municipal Corporation to honour ‘Aunt V’.

The Mayor of Falmouth, His Worship Councillor Collin Gager, said Palmers Crescent, the road on which ‘Aunt V’s home is located, will be renamed in honour of the supercentenarian.

Jamaica celebrates 60 years of Independence in 2022. The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport — which will lead the celebrations — will host a series of activities in the lead-up to the official period of commemoration.

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Kingston, 7 March 2021 – The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment announces the postponement of the International Women’s Day Awards Ceremony which was scheduled to take place on March 8, 2021.

The event, which honours women from various sectors for outstanding contribution to Jamaica, is being postponed in keeping with measures to limit gatherings in light of the covid-19 pandemic.
 
A new date will be announced.

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Kingston, 2 March 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has released the following tribute to the Reggae legend, Bunny Wailer.

Minister’s Statement:

“The passing of Bunny Wailer, whose correct name is Neville O’Riley Livingston, has left a void in the culture and entertainment sector that may never be filled. Also affectionately called Jah B, Bunny Wailer has distinguished himself among the pioneers of Reggae music and as one whose works have spanned the decades while remaining relevant.

From his earliest beginnings through his familial relationship and friendship with Reggae’s King Bob Marley and the indomitable Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer was destined for glory. A member of one of Jamaica’s most formidable groups, The Wailers, Bunny, Bob and Peter lit a flame that burns brightly to this day. A singer, songwriter and percussionist in his own right, Bunny’s contribution to the trio was legendary. Together they created lyrics and rhythms that inspired people the world over, igniting flames of resistance and resilience wherever they toured.

Bunny Wailer, however, soon decided against touring and set his eyes on a powerful solo career. Through sheer brilliance and relentless determination, he was able to carve out a place for himself, winning during his lifetime three Reggae Grammy Awards. He was unabashed in his respect for Bob Marley and Peter Tosh even after their passing and determined to celebrate them through his own creations and renditions of their compositions. He also showcased many international artistes, such as Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, among others.

Bunny Wailer was respected within the music industry of Jamaica. Young musicians and veterans saw him as a musical icon and elder statesman of Reggae. For his outstanding musicianship, artistry and composition as well as his contribution to the development of Reggae music, Jamaica’s most formidable export, the Government of Jamaica conferred on him the Order of Jamaica in 2012 and the distinguished Order of Merit in 2017.

Today, on his passing, we offer deepest condolences to his family and share in their thanksgiving for a life well spent.

Today Jamaica mourns one of its most revered icons whose journey from Nine Miles, his birthplace, to his sojourn in Kingston among the trailblazers and pioneers, and then to the world, has been a beacon for an industry that has bloomed with economic and cultural prosperity for its exponents. Bunny Wailer’s memory will be etched among the ‘buffalo soldier’ whose cultural warfare and creative energy carried Reggae music and Jamaica to the international hall of fame and brought income to themselves and revenue to our country.

Well done and walk good, ‘Blackheart Man’ Bunny, and may you bring rhythm and bass into your ‘Dreamland’. Jah lives.”

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Kingston, 2 March 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has released the following statement at the passing of Bunny Wailer.

Minister’s Statement:

“At the request of the family, I announce with deepest sadness, the passing of the patriarch, brother, friend and Jamaican music icon, the great Bunny Wailer.

Bunny Wailer, whose given name is Neville O’Riley Livingstone, passed away at 9am today at Medical Associates Hospital in Kingston. He had been in hospital since December 2020.

We mourn the passing of this outstanding singer, songwriter and percussionist and celebrate his life and many accomplishments.

We remain grateful for the role that Bunny Wailer played in the development and popularity of Reggae music across the world.

We remember with great pride how Bunny, Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, took Reggae music to the four corners of the earth.

Today, the last surviving Wailer has passed.

His son Abijah said to me this morning that ‘Bunny Wailer cannot die, he has transitioned’.

What Bunny Wailer has done for Reggae, as one of the pioneers and standard-bearers of our country’s music, lives on.

Let us hold dear Bunny’s music, his memory and his family.

I ask that you remember his family, including his wider Reggae family, in your prayers at this time.”

Bunny Wailer was awarded Jamaica’s fourth highest honour, the Order of the Merit in 2017.

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Kingston, 23 February 2021 - The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has expressed deep sadness at the passing of Constance Christie, mother of international dancehall artiste Shabba Ranks.

“She was someone I knew very well and I had made plans to touch base with her very soon. To hear of her passing is devastating.”

Minister Grange along with Clifton “Specialist” Dillon managed Shabba Ranks for many years and brought him to international stardom.

Shabba Ranking never graced a stage without paying respect to his mother whom he held in the highest esteem.

“Shabba would talk about 'Mama Christie' at every opportunity he got. She was a beautiful soul who supported her son in all his endeavours. She was his biggest cheerleader. In fact, it was Shabba’s public display of love and affection that led to so many younger artistes singing about their mothers.

“I know that Shabba Ranks is hurting deeply right now and I just want to tell him to take comfort because he did all that a child could have done for a parent. He fought his way through the music business and became very successful so that she could have been comfortable.”

Constance Christie passed away after a long battle with illness.

“We will all miss 'Mama Christie'. May her soul rest in peace,” Minister Grange added.

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