Kingston, 2 April 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has said that she is pleased that the Rastafari Coral Gardens Elders Home, established at Norwood in St James with funds provided by her Ministry, is now operational.

Minister Grange spoke at the official opening on April 1, 2021, of the Rastafari Coral Gardens Elders Home which is a facility set up to care for the medical and social needs of the survivors of the 1963 Coral Gardens incident. It is managed by the Rastafari Coral Gardens Benevolent Society.

“It is pleasing and quite an accomplishment to have the Home now up and running and I must say job well done to the Rastafari Coral Gardens Benevolent Society which spent the funds prudently to make the Home fully functional.

“I know that it is much appreciated by the elders resident here, the Rastafari community and by their Member of Parliament, the Honourable Dr Horace Chang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security,” the Culture Minister said.

She also spoke of what had been done since the apology in Parliament in April 2017 by the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister, to the Rastafari community when he also announced the setting up of a Trust Fund to be administered by the Administrator General as compensation to the survivors.

Minister Grange said the Fund was now far in excess of the initial amount of Thirteen Million Dollars which was placed in it in 2018. Survivors have been receiving regular disbursements since then.

She gave credit to those who assisted in establishing the Home such as Dr Chang; Food for the Poor through Mr. Craig Moss Solomon, Cultural Liaison Barbara Blake Hannah, the Team from the Ministry and private donors.

Dr. Chang, who cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony, spoke of the respect he and the Government had for the contributions of the Rastafari citizens, and his own pledge to continuing to work with the Rastafari Coral Gardens Benevolent Society to ensure that commitments for further development will be implemented.

These, he said, included the promise of a permanent structure to house the elders, an office for the Rastafari Coral Gardens Benevolent Society and 50 acres of land to develop a community and farm.

Other speakers included Sister Pamela Williams, Secretary of the Rastafari Coral Gardens Benevolent Society; attorney and broadcaster, Miguel Lorne; ganja activist, Ras Iyah V; and Sister Kathy Howell.

The opening ceremony, which was in the form of a mixture of face to face and virtual setting, ended with the beating of drums and the singing of Rastafari chants.

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Kingston, 31 March 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has told the Fifth Commonwealth Debate on Sport and Sustainable Development that the key to rebuild the sport sector after the covid-19 pandemic is investing in initiatives to mainstream sport and physical activity as part of policy integration across public health, education and economic development.

The Minister was specially invited by the Commonwealth Secretariat to participate in the Debate, a virtual event that took place on March 30, 2021. It is among the leading global policy focused events held to mark International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, celebrated on April 6.

Minister Grange advocated that:
“The focus of investment must be on factors identified in restoring human rights, social inclusion, prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases and enhanced access to the benefits of sport post-covid-19.

“These are the problems emerging from the onset of the pandemic: the sport sector relies extensively on human contact and is disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

“We must rethink the role of sport. There is now a shift in focus to investment in safeguarding policies globally among governments, international bodies and national initiatives strengthening of human rights through and for sport.

“We all agree with the results of research presented by the Commonwealth Secretariat which confirms that ‘sport is effective in generating employment because it is community-based and depends on human interaction. As such, one policy implication is that investing in sport can be an economic tool to help a country reduce unemployment during a recession. This is a valuable insight for the rebuilding the sport sector in the post covid-19 period’ according to the publication.

“Economic prosperity is important for the development of sport as an economic activity. Economic downturns usually result in governments reducing spending on sectors like sport unless there is strong scientific evidence to demonstrate how vital the sport sector is to development of the economy.

“The World Bank’s global economic prospects (2020) fittingly describes ‘covid-19 as the most adverse peacetime shock to the global economy in a century!’ Furthermore, the President of the World Bank Group reminds us that: ‘making the right investments now is vital, and urgently needed to support the recovery and foster resilience. The response to the pandemic crisis today will shape our common future for years to come. We should seize the opportunity to lay the foundations for a durable, equitable, and sustainable global economy.’

“Technology has a role to play in sport, it is a constituent for sport. However, investment in technology cannot by itself be the key to rebuild sport sector post covid-19.

“In the Caribbean and Latin American Region (ECLAC) it is estimated that there will be a contraction of minus 1.8% in regional gross domestic product, which could lead to unemployment in the region rising by 10 percentage points.  In 2018-(pre covid era) the WHO reported that NCDs were killing 41 million people each year, equivalent to 71% of all deaths globally.

“To rebuild the sport sector post covid-19, it is clear that we must invest in empirical research and other measurement framework, to demonstrate the contribution of sport the SDGs, while securing the sustainability of the sport sector.

“The lack of adequate evidence-based practice and measurement framework has led to undervaluing the contribution of sport to global and national development.
Let us examine some of the on-going consequences and impact of the covid-19 pandemic as the intervening factor in our lives and societies worldwide.

“The SDGs agenda recognises sport as ‘an important enabler of sustainable development’ and highlights its impact on health, education, social inclusion, women’s empowerment and youth development. The achievement of goals is impacted by pandemic and related policy/regulatory responses.

“Based on the results of the Deloitte Global Millennial Survey (2020), the demands for social justice is transforming the sports world. There is a shifting societal dynamic, with athletes having a stronger voice, demanding action, and playing an even bigger part as role models.

“Sport organisations’ level of commitment to combating social injustice now directly affects their brand, bottom line and business relationships with athletes.”

The Debate is delivered as part of the Commonwealth’s leadership supporting countries as they protect and promote the contribution sport can make to human and social development.

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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, 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, 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, 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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Kingston, 22 February 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has released the following statement at the passing of Mrs Greta Bogues, member of the Gender Advisory Council.

Minister’s Statement:

“It is with the deepest sadness that we mourn the loss of this outstanding woman, Greta Bogues.

As a one of the leading Business Executives in this country, she made a sterling contribution to the private sector.

We are also grateful for Greta’s contribution to the public sector, where she brought a thoughtful, passionate, courageous and collaborative approach to the Gender Advisory Council, which I chair.

Greta was the consummate professional and staunch advocate for transformational and corporate governance.

We salute her outstanding contributions and will treasure the warm memories.

We extend deepest condolences to her family during this time.”

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