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."

Kingston, January 14, 2019 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has said the Government of Jamaica is willing to provide funding support to the cricket franchise Jamaica Tallawahs, as it has done in the past.

However, Minister Grange said her Ministry is unable to provide the level of funding required.

Minister Grange said:

“I am in discussions with the Tallawahs and hope to find a way to give some support as I stretch the little that we have. The Tallawahs need in excess of USD 1 million each year for the next three years. We cannot find that. I have to be clear and up front about that. We cannot find that.  In fact, it’s in excess of US$1.5 million. But, working with the private sector we could find a way.  So this evening, I make a special appeal to corporate Jamaica to come on board with the Jamaica Tallawahs.”

Minister Grange was speaking at the Melbourne Cricket Club’s Annual Dinner and Awards ceremony.

The Minister disclosed that the government had been involved in efforts to court sponsors for the Tallawahs at the highest level.

“I must tell you we went as far as having the Prime Minister himself arrange a meeting with the Tallawahs and a private entity in Jamaica which also has an international connection.  Several meetings were held.  Unfortunately, just maybe a couple weeks ago, the Tallawahs were told that this company is unable to assist.”

The requirement of the Tallawahs is greater than the total subventions that the Ministry provides for more than 40 national sports federations each year.

Minister Grange said the if the government were to “give the Tallawahs what they need to keep the game in Jamaica, then we would have to shut down shop and give support to no one else — and that’s not possible.  But we’re still trying.  The little that we have, we will stretch it and give them something.  Yes, we have put something in the budget for them.”

In response to requests for assistance from the Tallawahs, the Government was able to provide support in the sum of US$25,000 in 2015.  In 2017, again in response to requests for help, we provided support in the amount of US$35,000.  Last year, the request came in after the budget process was completed and the government was unable to give financial support.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange expressed great satisfaction with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) for their role in propelling cricket to regional prominence once again as she underscored the importance of cricket to the region and CPL to the rest of world as an important tourism product at the Foska Oats Jamaica Tallawahs Team Breakfast on Tuesday, June 28th, 2016.