Lf to Rt. Hon Minister Bartlett, Tourism Minister, Jamaica I was enjoying a delicious Jamaican coconut water in Montego Bay last Sunday with His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

On tour to Caribbean nations, such as the Bahamas, and Barbados, the Saudi Tourism minister stopped in Jamaica last Sunday.

The Hon Minister Bartlett told eTurboNews.: I was enjoying a delicious Jamaican coconut water in Montego Bay last Sunday with His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

It appears the lime was put into the coconut. What this lime is may be up to speculation, but judging from numerous previous meetings between the two ministers in Jamaica and Saudi Arabia, there seems to be more and more reason to dance.

In June last year, Bartlett told eTurboNews:

Lf to Right: Angelina Jolie with Mutabaruka at Calabash Literary Festival in Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Coming out of the best winter tourist season ever, Jamaica is now set to achieve record visitor arrivals for the summer.

“As of May 10, 2023, the island has welcomed just over 1.5 million total visitors, with provisional gross earnings exceeding US$ 1.6 billion for the same period. The 2023 summer is gearing up to be the best summer in the history of tourism in Jamaica,” says Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett.

Already, 1.4 million seats have been secured, representing a 16% increase over the previous best in 2019. Jamaica’s main source market, the United States of America, has locked in 1.2 of these seats. “We are expecting a load factor of some 87.5%, which means that 1.2 million visitors will come to Jamaica over the summer period and will bring revenue of some US$1.5 billion just within that period of June to August,” says Mr Bartlett.

Travel bookings are currently showing a rise of 33% compared to summer 2022 and the anticipated boom is being weighed against Jamaica having welcomed approximately 3.3 million visitors for 2022/23 to register a remarkable recovery of earnings compared to pre-Covid earnings of 2019.

Kingston, Jamaica, Tuesday, May 23 2023. The decision of Prime Minister (PM) Holness to decline the 214 per cent increase in his salary now leaves Jamaicans to question whether our Ministers and other Members of Parliament (MPs) have the “higher moral duty” required of political leaders. Jamaican taxpayers will still be left to pay Ja$1.64 billion insalaries for the political directorate over the next 3 years.

Speaking at the Press Conference on Monday, May 22, 2023, the Advocates Network (AN) noted that PM Holness is “particularly moved” by that argument made by many Jamaicans, including the AN, that “politicians have a higher moral duty to act in concert and solidarity with those who are suffering.” The PM also noted that the process of calculating the new salaries has yielded salary increases for ministers that are “considered unfair relative to adjustments of other groups.” He further stated: “…there is also an expectation that politicians must show solidarity with the suffering of the people. Given the stage of the development of our democracy these feelings should not be ignored.” We agree with the PM. Other Ministers and MPs should act accordingly. If one can be rolled back, then ALL salaries for the political directorate can be rolled back!

We also note, however, that the PM made more promises about job descriptions and performance evaluations without public disclosure of the relevant documents. We, therefore, reiterate our call as follows:

1) Immediately disclose the already established series of accountability measures;

Dr Louis D'Amore Center, joined by Community Representatives for the Brooks Peace Park Dedication.

Countrystyle Community Tourism Network (CCTN), in association with the Manchester Peace Coalition (MPCo), the Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods (COESL), and the Manchester Horticulture Society announce the official unveiling of the first Peace Monument at the Horticultural Grounds, Brooks Park Mandeville in Jamaica on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 2:00 pm.

Countrystyle Community Tourism Network is a member of the World Tourism Network

This Peace Monument was donated by Washington-based NGO HEAVENLY CULTURE WORLD PEACE AND RESTORATION OF LIGHT as a Grant to Countrystyle Community Tourism Network (CCTN)

CCTN partnered with the Manchester Peace Coalition (MPCo) chaired by Dr. Clifton Reid to implement it.

(HM CHTA): Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, (3rd R) pauses for a photo at the end of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Travel Forum Panel held at Sandals Royal Barbados today. Sharing in the moment are (l-r) Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism and Transport, Cayman Islands, and Chairman, Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO); Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Barbados; President of the CHTA, Mrs. Nicola Madden-Grieg; Marc Melville, CEO, Chukka Caribbean and Renee Coppin, Chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourist Association.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados; Tuesday May 9, 2023: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has urged regional tourism stakeholders to redefine the industry in what can now be described as the new post-COVID era.

Speaking at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourist Association’s (CHTA) Travel Forum and Awards Luncheon today at Sandals Royal Barbados, Minister Bartlett said: “In this post-COVID era, we must as a region rethink and redefine the meaning of tourism if we are to maximize our earnings and growth. We must begin to appreciate the fact that tourism is so much more than hotels, cruise lines and attractions and that there are direct, indirect and induced economic benefits in the tourism value chain that can accelerate growth in the region.”

The CHTA Travel Forum, which was held under the theme, “Tourism the Key Driver of Generational Wealth for Caribbean Nationals” included Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism and Transport, Cayman Islands, and Chairman, Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO); Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Barbados, and Marc Melville, CEO, Chukka Caribbean.

“Tourism happens successfully because of all the sectors and subsectors that supply experiences, so there is a strong place for agriculture, technology, health and manufacturing and many more. The real wealth of tourism therefore lies in the capacity to supply on the demands of the industry,” added Minister Bartlett.

Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, Honourable Edmund Bartlett

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates; Wednesday, May 3, 2023: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has underscored the need to boost resilience and sustainability in the global tourism industry by engaging players of all sizes in the tourism value chain. In providing a template Minister Bartlett outlined several initiatives being undertaken by the Ministry of Tourism and its public bodies to support small and medium tourism enterprises (SMTEs) while “holding them accountable to sustainable business practices aligned with industry standards.”

Speaking during a panel discussion on the margins of the Arabian Travel Market under the theme: “Strategic Sustainability Planning – Where Does the Supply Chain Start?”, the tourism minister said: “The essence of tourism as we know is the small and medium enterprises. They are 80% of the services and the experiences that visitors have when they come to the destination.”

Minister Bartlett also explained how the strategy and policy direction of the Ministry have been positioned to bolster Jamaican SMTEs.

“We spend a lot on training and developing the capacity of small players to be firstly, more creative and innovative and secondly, to be resourced financially. So, we established a JM$1 billion window for lending to small and medium enterprises through the EXIM bank in Jamaica,” stated the tourism minister.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett (2nd right) and Director of Tourism, Donovan White (2nd left) shares lens time with Rajeev Nangia (left) Chief Operating Officer of TRAC Representations and Kavi Ghei, Chairman of TRAC Representations.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett is placing special focus on the world’s most populated country, India, as a country from which to pull visitors in coming years. This is part of a renewed campaign to diversify Jamaica’s tourist markets.

Jamaica gets the bulk of its visitors from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

“The Indian market initiatives are now fully on stream. We met with our partners and are beginning engagements later this year. There is a huge market for weddings, there is a confluence of cricket, a rapidly growing middle and upper middle class, over time better flight connectivity, and a very active Indian community in Jamaica itself will drive growth from this increasingly lucrative market,” noted Bartlett.

Bartlett arrived in Dubai on the weekend ahead for the Arabian Travel Market, the largest tourism tradeshow in the Middle East, accompanied by high-ranking team members director of tourism, Donovan White and senior advisor and strategist in the Ministry of Tourism, Delano Seiveright.

Jamaica’s new markets initiatives were initially heavily focused on South America for which significant gains were made just before the COVID-19 pandemic with new nonstop flights by South America’s largest air carrier LATAM between Lima, Peru and Montego Bay, Jamaica and up to 11 weekly flights between Panama City and Jamaica by COPA. The pandemic curbed those gains with Bartlett recently mandating his team to re-engage new markets growth efforts.

PHOTO: RUDRANATH FRASER Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange (centre), and Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn, is greeted by CEO of JACANA, Alexandra Chong, during an event at Island Village in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, on Thursday, April 20, in recognition of International Cannabis Day.

The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce continues to advocate for the inclusion of more Jamaican farmers in the cultivation of ganja as part of efforts to develop the sector and tap into its potential economic benefits.

Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn, State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce  has said that the Government’s Alternative Development Programme (ADP) is a key initiative for community groups and small-scale growers to gain access to legal channels in the industry.

“The ADP is a community-centred approach in which participating communities will be allowed to cultivate up to 10 acres of land [and] will be required to sell all of their outputs from the programme to a licensed downstream buyer or authorised permit holders of the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA),” Dr. Dunn explained.

He was addressing an event hosted by JACANA, at Island Village in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, on Thursday, April 20, in recognition of International Cannabis Day.

The Caribbean Studies Association (CSA2023) Conference is celebrating the 49th CSA Anniversary, the 47th CSA Conference, and featuring the intellectual richness, transcultural value, cultural heritage education, socioeconomic diversity, intergenerational equity and more within St. Croix, the Virgin Islands, and the wider Caribbean Americas regionally and globally.  The CSA2023 Conference is scheduled for Monday, June 5th to Friday, June 9th.2023 – for the first time- on St. Croix in the Virgin Islands (US).  CSA2023 Conference sessions are being hosted at the University of the Virgin Islands’ Medical Simulation Center (UVI MSC) and the Research and Technology Park (RTPark).  

The theme for the CSA2023 Conference is: Transforming Our Caribbean: Sustainable Educational Research, Cultural Creatives, Sacred Traditions, Economic Development and Environmental Solutions. 

 "We're proud and excited to welcome CSA members from all over the Global South to this very special event that will also feature the value, worth, sacred intentions, rich cultural heritage and harmony of St. Croix and the Virgin Islands (US) within this region," commented Dr. Chenzira Davis Kahina, CSA President.

The Caribbean Studies Association (CSA) “is an independent professional organization devoted to the promotion of Caribbean studies from a multidisciplinary, multicultural point of view. It is the primary association for scholars and practitioners working in the Caribbean Region (including Central America and the Caribbean Coast of South America).”  CSA members come from the Caribbean Region, North America, South America, Central America, Africa, Europe and elsewhere. Founded in 1974 by 300 Caribbeanists, the CSA membership and associates has increased to as many as 1000-plus. Visit https://www.caribbeanstudiesassociation.org for more information.

Dr Carey Wallace Keynote at Global Villa Hotel Launch

Last Friday, March 31, 2023, Global Villa Boutique Hotel made history when the dream of its Managing Director, Gloria Spence, came true with the launch of its successful Upgrades of Rooms, the Conference Centre and the installation of a New Pool.

Ms. Gloria Spence surrounded by five generations of Grant and Spence family members welcomed her special guests, community associates, and patrons of Global Village in a joyful and professionally staged Launch Event in front of the state-of-the-art conference room, which was prepared to host her VIP guests. She cordially and energetically shared her vision, achievements in the UK, in Jamaica. She said this “Incredible Milestone was achieved through persistent hard work, commitment, support and love.”

The event host, Sharon Parris-Chambers, Broadcast Journalist and PR Consultant, created an “easy breezy” ambiance to match the breezy climate by the seaside. Representatives of the Tourism and Business sectors in attendance were: Dr Carey Wallace (Executive Director, Tourism Enhancement Fund); Ms Sandra Bellinfantie, Product Quality Manager -Western Region (Tourism Product Development Company); Mr Dwayne Hunter, Development Manager (EXIM Bank); Ms Andrea Dehaney-Grant (Deputy Mayor of Lucea). Dr Carey Wallace, Keynote, gave a stirring speech and charged the audience to press forward with their entrepreneurial goals as this was the time to make their mark. He later cut the ribbon to officially open the pool for use by the hotel guests.

Ms Spence was very pleased to welcome Dr Beverley Anderson, Past Dean of Art & Science, Eastern Connecticut State University, who hosted all their Professors at Global Villa Hotel for 11 years to help Hanoverian Teachers to obtain their first B.A. degree.

The Launch was not without exciting entertainment produced by Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, Shiyan Williams, Parish Manager; Green Island High School and Frenchie Production Limited. The Green Island High School performances were arranged by Shauna Miller, Dramatist, with participation by the following performers: Karlia performed a Monologue; followed by a Drum Ensemble and another humor-filled Monologue by Demario Malcolm. Ozarii, a shooting star & multi-genre artiste, managed by Frenchie Production performed three singles entitled “Protest”, “Whine Slow” “A You mi Really Love”.

The Ribbon was cut to Showcase the Pool immediately after all the presentations were completed. Dr Carey Wallace did the honours assisted by Ms Andria Dehaney-Grant and Ms Gloria Spence.

Alora Entertainment & Business Centre

Hanover, Jamaica, W.I. April 5, 2023. Alora Entertainment & Business Centre, located in Bull’s Bay, Lucea, Hanover invites you to their official launch on April 8, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Manager Keneisha Walker says "the entertainment and business centre are much more than meets the eye. The entity is a restaurant, entertainment and conference centre that opens its doors to Hanoverians to experience its multiple offerings."

The exciting Launch event will present a Family Fun Day with fun for the whole family. Ice Cream and Kiddies Bounce About & Trampoline for the children. Gift shop with alluring gifts; disco lounge, Conference for business meetings. Dine indoors at the upstairs bar and restaurant patio. Sample our menu of delicious Jamaican foods with Trinidadian curry dishes & roti.

MELLO FM OUTSIDE BROADCAST begins from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with Radio Host: Keleine 'Kelz' Maye. Before and after the Broadcast (OB) Special Entertainment will be provided by Vybz Sound. Meals by Harry Potter & Capachi. There will be fun Games of Dominos, Bingo, and more.

Join us for the Official Launch of Lucea’s only first-class Restaurant & Entertainment Complex on Saturday. Doors open at 11:00 a.m.

For more information contact 876-997-7918 Instagram (IG) Alorajamaica.

Contact:
Sharon Parris-Chambers
CARIBNEWSROOM.COM
876-275-3169

On April 1, 2023, the Royal Chamber Bill was finally passed by Parliament. The text was prepared by Queen Houindokon and Queen Aïdji, respectively Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Historical Legacy. Then, the Prime Minister, Dr. Louis-Georges Tin, transmitted it to the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Melvin Brown. The text was then examined in committee, and finally adopted in plenary session of Parliament.

In a few days, the entire text of the law will be available on the official website of the State of the African Diaspora, in the “Legislation” section. The Prime Minister, the Vice Prime Minister and the Minister of Historical Legacy will then present it to the Royal Chamber, so that traditional leaders can take ownership of it, as it is this text that will organize the cooperation between the Government of SOAD and the Pan-African Kingdoms.

The leaders of SOAD will then present the adopted text to the Ambassadors, coordinated by Mrs. Millie Tucker, Consul General, because one of the missions of the Ambassadors is precisely to be in relation with the Kings and Queens of Africa. It is therefore important that they also have the opportunity to learn about the text adopted in Parliament.

At the end of the parliamentary process, the government was very pleased with the quality of the work done. The Prime Minister said: “the two State Houses of the Diaspora are now well organized. They have dynamic leaders and play an essential role in the heart of the State. And I am pleased that this law can help restore the majesty of the Kingdoms and the greatness of Africa.”

Omega Medical Hospital, Negril

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Monday, March 27, 2023: [As a resident of Negril over a period of 10 years, I have seen the  private sector advocate and compete to build a hospital that would be subsidized to accommodate residents and visitors alike. This dream has not yet materialized, instead we have accepted privitized medical care in Negril, Jamaica's most complete resort. Those without medical coverage would be shuttled to overcrowded hospitals which sometimes have no space for the sick and dying. What is Jamaica's Health Ministry going to do about this as Jamaica continues towards its goal of Vision 2030 (Jamaica will become a place to live, do business and raise families.) as it races towards becoming a First World Caribbean nation. The following question begs for an in-depth response: How can a "first world" Caribbean nation not afford to care for its people, the most valuable commodity,  in modern, affordable-care hospitals or urgent-care facilities?
In regard  to Lucea, Hanover becoming a resort, does a Bypass, alone prepare this bypassed parish for the glory that it could become as a Thriving Marina with an active Town Centre, Tours and Reinactments at Fort Charlotte? Why has it taken so long Honourable Edmund Bartlett and Prime Minister Holeness? ]
Caribnewsroom commentary
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Both the Hanover parish capital, Lucea, and the popular resort of Negril are being earmarked for major development to enhance them as tourist towns.

With key hotel developments currently underway east and west of Lucea, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says much is in store that will make this area rival other existing resorts.

Construction is underway on the 950-room expansion of Grand Palladium Resorts as well as the new 2000-room Princess Jamaica Resort. Also, work is expected to commence shortly on construction of the Viva Wyndham Resort in Hanover.

Further details on these developments will be known when Minister Bartlett makes his Sectoral Presentation in Parliament on April 18. Meanwhile, he has also signalled that one of Lucea’s historical treasures, Fort Charlotte, is to receive attention and play an important role in marine life in the west.

Jamaica Coat-of-Arms

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Monday, April 3, 2022:  Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett will today (April 3) join government ministers, finance executives and administrators from South Africa, Botswana, Spain and Sierra Leone on a Ministerial Roundtable titled: “Developing a Sustainable Tourism Industry in Africa by Integrating Cultural, Environment, Good Governance and Social Concerns”. The roundtable is one of the highlights of the African Tourism Investment Summit being held from April 3-5, 2023, in Cape Town, South Africa, under the theme: “Revitalizing Investment in Sustainable Tourism on the African Continent”.

Minister Bartlett, who left the island on Saturday (April 1), has been invited to speak at the highly anticipated summit in his capacity as a well-respected global thought leader on tourism resilience and development. The event is also an opportunity for the tourism minister to explore expansion of the Global Tourism Resilience & Crisis Management Centre’s (GTRCMC) satellite network in Africa, enhance cooperation in the areas of travel and hospitality between Jamaica and South Africa, and engage with the Ministers of Tourism of several African countries who will be attending the summit.

“The Government of Jamaica has been actively working to strengthen ties between Jamaica and the continent of Africa in the areas of travel, trade and investment. From a tourism perspective, Africa is the new frontier and Jamaica and, in fact, the wider Caribbean, are particularly interested in tapping into this new market.  Another important area of cooperation is tourism resilience. We already have a GTRCMC satellite centre in Kenya and we look forward to expanding this important Africa Network,” Minister Bartlett noted. 

“With the strong historical and cultural association between Jamaica and Africa, it is strategic to collaborate and strengthen our tourism cooperation. The summit will provide this opportunity,” he added.

Eighteen Dynasty Egyptian Royalty

Rootsology & Queenology returns with another exciting collaboration between the Temple of Inner Peace, founders Sharon and Theo Chambers and ICAN Company, founding directors Denise Isis Miller and Cover ‘Jah Steve’ Palmer dubbed “The Sage Within Stimulates Queen Healing” during an International Women’s Month Programme scheduled for Sunday, March 26, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. at the Temple of Inner Peace in West Cliff Estate, Mt. Airy, Negril.

Queenology is the study and science of a Queen. In harmony with the 2023 International Women’s Day theme of “Gender Equality in the Digital World,” this event is building on the theme Digitization and Inclusivity.

Parris-Chambers said, “Women have entered the Board Room and have no intention of giving up their forward trajectory to the top and Digitization is another area for the Sacred Feminine to express her Shakti power.”

The Iconic Queens to be honoured on Sunday are:
*Dr Sherrill Chong, Researcher in Clinical Therapy and SOAD Minister of Family & Social
Economy;
*SntDr. Chenzira Davis Kahina, Consultant, Griot, Smai Tawi Kemetic Priestess, and 2nd APG/HCG in
the UNIA-ACL RC2020;
*Kathie Lennon, CEO, KML Agroconsulting Ltd. & Cannabis Consultant.
*Jackie Lewis, Founder, Operator of Jackie’s on the Reef Day Spa in Negril.
*Keteis Oyonde, Edutainer, Educator, Entrepreneur, Enabler.

Dear Tourism Partner,
Thank you for your support of the ‘’ and official the launch of the ‘Global Tourism Resilience Day’ slated for Wednesday, February 15, 2023, to Friday, February 17, 2023, at the Regional Headquarters, University of the West Indies, Mona, in Kingston, Jamaica.

Please join us in viewership at any of the below live stream platforms/event links and follow the discussions outlined in your attached program.

GTRCMC

February 15, 2023 at 8:30 am

Hon. Edmund Bartlett at the UN

Kingston, Jamaica; Monday, February 6, 2023: Jamaica’s efforts to bolster resilience in global tourism by proposing the official designation of February 17th as Global Tourism Resilience Day annually has yielded great success, as the United Nations (UN) officially ratified the move to facilitate its observance globally today (February 6).

Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has been a global voice advocating for tourism resilience as a means of safeguarding the sector during times of crises that negatively impact the industry, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

In welcoming the UN’s decision Minister Bartlett said: “This is a signal honour for Jamaica which highlights the fact that our nation continues to have such significant influence on the international stage. This is very timely as the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is still being felt and is causing a strain on many tourism-dependent states as they struggle to recover.”

Minister Bartlett, who made a presentation on Global Tourism Resilience during the UN General Assembly meeting at the UN headquarters in New York today, added that: “Global Tourism Resilience Day emphasizes the importance of building tourism resilience across the world to fuel sustainable growth and development.”

Queen Ifrica

Rebel Salute 29^th edition was held January 20 and 21, 2023 at Grizzly’s Plantation Cove in St Ann. The Event dubbed “The People’s Show” returned after two years of Government restrictions, fines for breaches of established coronavirus (COVID-19) health protocols and prohibition. It was indeed ‘Food for the Soul’, bringing the healing messages so needed by the people.

Rebel Salute 2023 was bigger and better than ever with few sightings of masks or muffled speech. The consciousness of just being in a space designed for total immersion of a natural Rastafari experience and lifestyle (livity), permeated the air. It was indeed a time for celebration and joy and that is what the Tony Rebel-led “Organic H.E.A.R.T Group of Companies” gave to the patrons of Rebel Salute 2023 this past weekend.

Queen Ifrica (Fyah Muma), one of Jamaica’s finest international cultural Reggae artisté, performed a stunning set and looked the part of royalty in an elegant Africa-patterned gown accentuated with a black Crown. After giving her adoring fans hits like “Randy”, “Jus My Brethren”, “Below the Waist”, “Daddy”, “Lioness on the Rise”, “Fun in our Life” … Queen dropped a new song titled “Proud of Me” and asked fans to sing along. “I’m excited blessings keep coming in; they never saw me fight for me. Proud of mi-self. Welcome to my victory. Chorus: “Proud of mi-self, proud of yourself; Repeat. Yes! Yes! You fi Proud of yourself. Yes! Yes! You fi  Proud Lord! …_”

During her set Queen said “I have performed on the Rebel Salute stage for 22 years and never missed a night. I am proud of myself. We love our black culture. Our black music, we make sacrifices to see to it that it happens. That is the most important thing.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHds1tdePuE

Kingston, 12 January 2023 – “I know the need and I want to ensure that it’s done,” declared the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, as her Ministry took a major step towards establishing an insurance programme for entertainment, culture and creative industries practitioners.

The Ministry on Thursday (today) signed a contract with actuaries Eckler Jamaica Limited who will advise the Ministry on how to establish the scheme and make it sustainable.

The principal of Eckler Jamaica, Constance Hall, said her firm will “recommend to the Ministry this is the insurance company to provide the service, these are the benefits that should be provided and this is what you should pay to them for that service.”

The firm will take six months to design the scheme and make their recommendations.

Rt Honourable Amy Jacques Garvey

Kingston, Jamaica, W.I. The Rt. Honourable Amy Euphemia Jacques Garvey, born December 31, 1896, in Kingston, Jamaica, was the second wife of the Rt. Honourable Marcus Mosiah Garvey, the first provisional President of Africa.  She was a journalist, activist and one of the pioneering female Black journalists and publishers of the 20th century.

A Memorial Service and Floral Tribute will take place on her birthday at St. Andrew Parish Church where she is interred, Saturday, December 31, 2022 at 9:00 a.m.  The Church is located at 4 Hagley Park Rd, Kingston, Jamaica. All are invited to attend. Following the service at 4:00 p.m. will be the Unveiling and Renaming of the Jacques Road Community Centre (Jacques Road is located off Mountain View).

Garveyite and Activist Claude Sinclair facilitated a total clean-up of the burial site, restoration of the headstone and will unveil a Mural during the ceremony. Included in the tribute to this great Stalwart is the Re-naming of Jacques Road Community Centre to Amy Jacques Community Centre.

St. Andrew Parish Church cemetery is one of the oldest in continuous use in the island and many prominent persons associated with the history of the Church are interred within its boundaries.