Kingston, 4 April 2020 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, will launch a fund-raising initiative dubbed ‘Telethon Jamaica: Together We Stand’ towards providing much-needed additional resources to our health services in the wake of Covid-19.

The initiative is a joint effort of Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

Minister Grange will launch the initiative during a live online performance by Jamaican singer, Christopher Martin, on Sunday, 5 April 2020 beginning at 7pm.

Telethon Jamaica: Together We Stand will be a six-hour live event, featuring performances by some of Jamaica’s leading artistes, which will be streamed live on the VP Records YouTube channel which has close to one million subscribers.

The feed will also be rotated across various regions of the world so that all members of the Diaspora, and other well-wishers will be able to view and make donations.

A portion of the broadcast will also be carried live on TVJ, 1spotmedia.com and other platforms across the Diaspora.

Minister Grange said proceeds from Telethon Jamaica will be used to provide “much-needed additional resources for our health services including ventilators in hospitals and personal protective equipment for frontline staff.”

The Minister also thanked members of the entertainment fraternity who have willingly agreed to participate in Telethon Jamaica. “We have always been able to rely on our artistes in times of crises; and I am really grateful for the way they have been responding to our invitation to participate in this life-saving effort.”

‘Telethon Jamaica: Together We Stand’ was inspired by the new single of the Jamaican Reggae singer, Richie Spice, titled ‘Together We Stand’.

The platforms to make donations to ‘Telethon Jamaica: Together We Stand' are now open.

To make a donation, visit www.jatogetherwestand.com or call 1-866-228-8393 toll free from Jamaica, the United States or Canada; or +44 0808 189 6147 from the UK and Europe.

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Kingston, 1 April 2020 – The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport is giving support to vulnerable adolescent mothers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“During this period they were all sent home,” said the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange who explained that about 500 adolescent mothers/expectant mothers have been affected by the temporary closure of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation locations across the island in keep with measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation implements the Government’s Programme for Adolescent Mothers under which pregnant teenagers get to continue their education while receiving the necessary support to look after their children, including day care services.

Minister Grange said:
“I felt that it was necessary to provide them with what we call ‘dignity packages’. So we provided them with food stuff, toiletries, pampers for the babies, and nutrition for those who are still pregnant because we need to ensure that they get the proper nutrition while they are away from the centre.”

On Wednesday (today) Minister Grange presented ‘dignity packages’ to a few students at the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation’s main location in Kingston. Each student registered in the programme across 18 centres islandwide will receive ‘dignity packages’ over the next three days.

Minister Grange said:
“The girls will go into the centres across the island to pick up their packages and where they are unable to go, we will get the packages to them.

In addition to the dignity packages, we provide each girl with some funds [so] if there’s an emergency they have money that they can use.”

This special support for adolescent mothers is being funded through the resources of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation.

The Executive Director of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation, Dr Zoe Simpson, says the ‘dignity packages’ will make a difference for the girls, the majority of whom are from poor circumstances.

Dr Simpson said:
“We really applaud this initiative of the Minister. She has made herself available and the funds available for us to be able to provide the girls with these ‘dignity packages’ so [that] they can stay home and be as comfortable as possible. It is not a whole heap of things, but it is enough to keep them over a two or three week timeframe.”

Minister Grange said it’s important to provide continuous support to vulnerable adolescent mothers and their children.

“I’m using this opportunity to invite companies and individuals to contribute to this programme because it’s early days yet; and after we pass through this phase, I’m sure we’re going to continue to put packages together for the girls until we have overcome this period of Covid-19,” said Minister Grange.

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Kingston, 27 March 2020 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, says athletes who had been in training for the Olympic Games will receive financial support from the government next week.

Minister Grange had announced financial support, under the Athletes Assistance Programme, to offset expenses while athletes prepare for Tokyo 2020.

“We have finally signed off on the list of eligible athletes with the local governing bodies and we can now move to make direct deposits to the accounts of each of the approximately 150 athletes,” said Minister Grange on Friday.

Athletes representing seven disciplines — track and field, karate, gymnastics, rugby, canoeing, aquatics and boxing — will benefit from the Athletes Assistance Programme.

Each athlete will receive $J80,000, which represents the full commitment for the month of March during which athletes had to put their training programmes on hold in light of the decision to postpone the Olympic Games due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Minister Grange said in light of the developments, she had asked the Athlete Assistance Programme Committee, led by Mike Fennel, to review the initiative in discussion with the local governing bodies and make recommendations on the way forward.

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Kingston, 27 March 2020 – “Nobody could write songs like him,” said the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, as she reflected on the life of the Jamaican Reggae icon, Bob Andy.

Andy, who was born Keith Anderson, passed away this morning.

Minister Grange said:
“I am very sad to hear of Bob Andy’s passing. I knew he had been unwell, but I was praying for his recovery. His passing is a great loss for Jamaica.

Bob Andy was easily among the best songwriters Jamaica has ever produced. He leaves a legacy of some of the greatest hits including the classic, ‘I’ve Got to go Back Home’ and ‘Fire Burning’.

I have been a big fan of Bob Andy’s music. His writing was superb. Nobody could write songs like him.

His collaborations with other artistes, particularly with Marcia Griffiths — an icon in her own right — will always remain standards.

Bob Andy lived a long, creative life during which he’s been a singer, songwriter, producer, dancer and actor.

I offer my sincerest condolences to his fans, colleagues, friends and family — especially his children: Bobby, Bianka and Shamori.

We all mourn the passing of a truly remarkable man.”

Bob Andy was 75.

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Kingston, 24 March 2020 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has released the following statement on the postponement of the Olympic Games.

Minister’s Statement

“We have received confirmation from the International Olympic Committee and the Japanese government that the Tokyo Olympics have been postponed. We accept this decision and we think it is a good move.

For one thing, it provides well-needed clarity for our athletes.

It is difficult to prepare for international competition in the best of times, so we can imagine how much more difficult it has been for them during this time of uncertainty.

We committed to provide stipends for athletes while they train for the Games under the Athlete Assistance Programme. We will pay the sums up to the end of March as our athletes put their training programmes on hold.

I know the disappointment that athletes feel, but I know they understand the reasons for the postponement.

We look forward to them resuming training and representing Jamaica with distinction when it is safe to do so. At that time the Games will also be a celebration of humanity’s triumph over this virus.

In the meantime, I encourage our athletes to take steps to keep themselves safe by practising social distancing and washing their hands regularly with soap and water.”

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Kingston, 21 March 2020 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has released the following statement:

Minister’s Statement

“Our government’s decision to close our air and sea ports to incoming people traffic as of tonight is a necessary measure to help contain the spread of COVID-19.

This decision has several implications, including for members of our entertainment community who are overseas. I have been in contact with several of them and some are scheduled to arrive today before the ports close.

I advise those who are unable to get flights before the measures take effect to remain where they are and stay in touch with my Ministry for any assistance they may require.

I also remind members of the entertainment community who will arrive today, and those who have recently come back to Jamaica that they are required to give full disclosure to immigration officers and self-quarantine for 14 days. This is a non-negotiable requirement to protect all of us; and we will use enforcement measures if necessary.

Our government has announced the largest fiscal stimulus package in our country’s history to deal with the effects of COVID-19. It is important that members of the entertainment community and the larger creative sectors benefit from this. So I urge you to use this time to formalise your businesses and be ready to benefit from the measures introduced by government.

We can all help to contain COVID-19 by practising social distancing and washing our hands regularly with soap and water. Please keep safe!"

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Kingston, 17 March 2020 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has said her Ministry will give support to the former Jamaican distance runner, Kemoy Campbell, who made an appeal for help following surgery in the United States.

Minister Grange said “everything must be done to assist Kemoy.”

The athlete reported on social media that he underwent surgery on the weekend to replace an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) in his chest after passing out while driving. He said the new device would also function as a pacemaker.

The Minister said she was “relieved that Kemoy was not hurt when he passed out while driving and that the surgery was a success.”

She thanked all those who have been attending to the athlete and said the Ministry “stands ready to assist him.”

Minister Grange said Campbell was covered under the Jamaica Athletes Insurance Plan — which provides health, life and personal accident coverage — and he is entitled to use it to deal with medical expenses.

Under the Group Health component of the Plan, Campbell can get 80 per cent coverage for hospital fees. Minister Grange said the Ministry would assist him with the balance, if required.

Minister Grange said:
“We continue to pray for Kemoy’s recovery and will do what is necessary to assist him at this time.”

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Kingston, 13 March 2020 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has announced the closure of cultural and sport facilities, including museums, galleries, and stadia run by the government.

Minister Grange says the closures — with effect from Saturday, 14 March 2020 — are in keeping with the Government’s strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Jamaica and to minimise the potential health impact on the country.

The facilities that will be closed to the public are:

• African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica/Jamaica Memory Bank;
• Alexander Bustamante boyhood home at Blenheim, Hanover 
• Bustamante Museum at Tucker Avenue, St Andrew;
• Paul Bogle Memorial Park at Stony Gut, St Thomas;
• Liberty Hall: The Legacy of Marcus Garvey;
• IOJ Junior Centres; 
• Simón Bolívar Cultural Centre;
• Fort Charles;
• National Gallery of Jamaica;
• Seville Heritage Park;
• National Gallery West;
• Natural History Museum of Jamaica;
• National Museum Jamaica; 
• Jamaica Music Museum;
• National Library of Jamaica;
• National Stadium;
• National Aquatics Centre;
• and Trelawny Stadium

The facilities will remain closed to the public until further notice, however staff will report to work as normal.

Minister Grange says “the closure of the facilities is a necessary precaution in the national effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to keep people safe.”

She has encouraged members of the cultural, sport and entertainment sectors to take all necessary precautions and follow the guidance of the health authorities.

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Kingston, 12 March 2020 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has provided an update to national sport federations on the implications of the urgent and necessary measures being taken by the Government of Jamaica to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

In keeping with the national Containment and Control Strategy, the Government has taken a number of steps including:

• discouraging and restricting non-essential travel outside of Jamaica, especially to countries that have reported cases of the virus which is now a global pandemic;
• discouraging and restricting large gatherings;
• denying and rescinding the granting of permits for the staging of events, during the next 14 days (in the first instance)
• and closing schools for a period of 14 days (in the first instance).

In her letter to the heads of sport federations, Minister Grange noted that the “necessary measures” would have a direct impact on entertainment and sport activities, including Jamaica’s “participation in regional and possibly international competitions as well as the staging of competitions across the island.”

Minister Grange urged the Federations to follow the guidance of the health authorities, noting that “the success of the measures outlined by our Government is dependent on all of us, especially leaders, doing our part.”

Minister Grange made clear that she “cannot support any action outside of the guidance given, including overseas travel for national teams.”  But she noted that the situation is dynamic and subject to regular review and committed to continued dialogue and consultation with the national sport federations as the situation unfolds. 

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Kingston, 9 March 2020 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, says the Spotlight Initiative Jamaica programme will strengthen the government’s efforts to end violence against women and girls.

Minister Grange was speaking at the ceremonial signing and launch of the Spotlight Initiative Jamaica programme this morning (Monday) at the Office of the Prime Minister.

The Programme was launched by Prime Minster, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, who said the elimination of gender-based violence is “a high priority objective for the government of Jamaica.”

The Spotlight Initiative is a global, multi-year partnership involving the European Union and the United Nations focused on eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls.

Minister Grange said:

“I thank the European Union and the United Nations for partnering with us on this Spotlight Initiative… It is a reflection of this government’s determination to build partnerships as we confront the major issues that affect us all.  It represents an important partnership for change.”

The Spotlight Initiative in Jamaica will address violence as a public health and development issue, under the banner of family violence, with a focus on three priority areas: child sexual abuse; intimate partner violence; and discrimination against vulnerable groups, including the elderly and members of society with disabilities and special needs.

It will be a three-year programme, costing US$10.6M; and will enhance and support strategic actions being taken by the government of Jamaica to eliminate violence against women, including: 

• the establishment of national 24 hour hotlines for victims, including a text line for the deaf;
• legislation to increase protection of vulnerable people such as children and the elderly;
• ongoing sensitisation and awareness-raising among the public; 
• the establishment of the Gender Advisory Council which guides the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the National Policy for Gender Equality and the National Strategic Plan to Eliminate Gender-based Violence;
• and the implementation of the National Shelter Strategy for victims of intimate partner violence.

Minister Grange said:

“The Spotlight Initiative is not a quick fix or a magic wand, but it is a major part of our response to this crisis that we face in our homes and communities.  While [it] will focus largely on women and girls, important efforts will be made to engage men and boys to address the toxic masculinity that is deeply embedded in the society.

There is a certain pervasive idea of masculine identity that is at the root of the high levels of violence, including gender-based violence, in our country.

This idea of masculinity that we teach and enforce causes men to see themselves as strong and women as weak.  It makes them feel that they are superior to women and that they can own, control and abuse women.

It is not a good thing and we must eliminate it by changing the ways we choose to raise our boys and our girls.”

The Minister said she looked forward to a “meaningful working relationship over the next three years” with the UN and EU representatives in Jamaica; and thanked the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith for being a “great negotiator” with the multilateral agencies in the development of the Spotlight Initiative Jamaica programme.

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