JAMAICA | PNP Wants Comprehensive Development Plan for Cultural and Creative Industries

KINGSTON, Jamaica. June 27, 2024: The Opposition Spokesperson on Cultural and Creative Industries, Dr Deborah Hickling Gordon, says she is disappointed with the recent update on the nation's cultural economy presented by Minister Grange during her Sectoral presentation in the House of Representatives. 

In a statement, Dr Hickling Gordon criticised the lack of clear plans, policies, legislation, and a comprehensive framework for developing Jamaica's cultural economy in the Minister’s presentation. She highlighted the absence of updates or structured timelines for cultural economy development after eight years.

Dr Hickling Gordon remarked, "What was presented by the Minister seems to be an arbitrary and vague list of projects and programmes, some not clearly outlined in this year’s budget. This falls short of a strategic plan to centralise the cultural economy in Jamaica’s national development agenda.”

She further expressed concerns about the basic requirements for modern cultural economy development, stating, "Many countries focus on sustainable economic growth through wealth and job creation and a clear, sustainable culture-in-development mandate. Both were glaringly absent from this year’s sectoral update in Jamaica."

Dr Hickling Gordon also noted the lack of detailed plans to address critical issues such as access to finance, training, and market opportunities for creative workers. She emphasised that nearly 50% of creative workers are among the working poor and that the sector lacks a framework for future planning.

While welcoming any positive developments for cultural and creative workers, Dr Hickling Gordon pointed out that many projects and programmes mentioned were re-announcements from the past five years. She commended the Jamaica Entertainment and Creative Practitioners' Health and Personal Accident Life Insurance Programme, set to launch this summer, but questioned the plans for sustainable sector growth to ensure self-sufficiency and self-reliance for creatives.

"The advocacy of the sector seems to have prompted the Minister to emphasise a ‘deliberate approach to cultural and creative industries development,’ but without more information, this approach still seems arbitrary, under-developed, unplanned, and incomplete. This will not inspire confidence among the thousands of cultural and creative practitioners," said Dr Hickling Gordon.

The People’s National Party is refining its culture and creative economy development plan for implementation upon assuming office following the next General Election. This plan includes moving Jamaican cultural and creative industries development from an analogue approach to a digital one with 5G implementation: harnessing greatness, optimising global reach, increasing growth indicators, implementing a clear governance framework, and achieving sustainable development goals.

Dr Hickling Gordon and her Deputy Spokesperson, Caretaker for West Portland, Colin Bell and team, are committed to optimising investment in the cultural and creative industries to increase returns and earnings for more Jamaicans. This initiative aims to boost domestic and global creative goods and services, which constituted 3% and 19% of total global merchandise and services exports, respectively, according to UN Trade and Development. UNESCO also highlights the intangible value of cultural expression and heritage in transmitting knowledge and skills across generations, which is vital for developing states like Jamaica.

The People’s National Party calls on the Government to present a comprehensive and strategic development plan for the cultural and creative industries, ensuring that the sector receives the support and structure necessary for its significant contribution to Jamaica's economic and social development.

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