Kingston, February 2 - The Honourable Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport today told the Jamaica Tallawahs franchise of the Caribbean Premier League that from now on Government of Jamaica support of the Tallawahs will be on a more long term basis.

Addressing a news conference called by the Tallawahs at the Jamaica Pegasus, the Sport Minister said:

“We are speaking about an arrangement between the Government of Jamaica and the Jamaica Tallawahs that will be at least for three years, perhaps longer.

We saw that as the most suitable way forward to guard against Government having to respond to requests at the last minute. It affords us room to plan properly for the assistance that Government will be providing the Tallawahs.”

Miss Grange said that the Government sees collaboration with the Tallawahs as one clear way to increase investment in sporting activities that will contribute to the continued building of Brand Jamaica, “as we seek to maximize our returns from sports.”

“The Government fully endorses the franchise”, the Sport Minister said, as she announced that her Ministry had committed Two-point-Seven Million Dollars to facilitate the hosting of the 2019 CPL T20 Series in Jamaica. “In addition, the Sport Development Foundation (SDF), which falls under my Ministry, is providing support up to a maximum of Ten Million Jamaican Dollars in cash and in kind.

“This will facilitate the entry of all equipment which will be exported at the end of the series - cash sponsorship of JAD$4.6M and the guaranteed purchase of 60 tickets for all five nights along with two VIP boxes valued at JAD$1.1M for the hosting of special guests.

“I am pleased also to inform you that the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) has agreed to a discount on transportation services during the period of the matches based on my representation on behalf of the Tallawahs. There are other negotiations taking place which will result in other tangible support. We will provide an update on these negotiations.

“I must mention the Prime Minister’s assistance in Pepsi Cola Jamaica” becoming a Tallawahs sponsor. You might say Prime Minister Holiness, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness was a “match maker” in this union.

“We are happy with the news that Cricket West Indies has been able to make it possible for all the best Caribbean cricketers to take part in the tournament.

"So fans we will be treated not just to the best of our Caribbean cricketers, but to many of the top international players for 34 matches of high intensity cricket.

“Perhaps the news that makes us the happiest is that Chris Gayle will be returning to the Tallawahs and returning as Captain.

"We wish the Tallawahs every success on the staging of this exciting tournament as we continue our collaboration to present the games at the highest level."