Minister of State Alando Terrelonge

*Opening Remarks 3-5mins*

*Focus: Culture & Music*

Probing Questions

- What avenues are currently being used to develop and sustain Jamaica's / Caribbean cultural footprint?

- How has music transformed over the years? What is the future of music in Jamaica?

Theme: Building Caribbean Culture and Diversity through Music, Sports and Innovation

Jamaica’s 2003 National Cultural Policy indicated to the world that the island was moving toward
becoming a cultural “Superstate”. I would want to revisit that assumption and state categorically that
given our position in the current global geo-cultural environment, our reach and impact in the creative
arts, creative industries, and in Sport, that we are a cultural Superstate.

In the field of the Creative Arts we have gifted to the world Louise Bennet-Coverley, Rex Nettleford and
the National Dance Theatre Company among many others;

In the field of Sport we gave, Merlene Ottey, Shelly-Ann Fraser, Herb McKenley and Usain Bolt “to de
werl”;

In the field of music we gave 6 genres (Mento, Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae, Dub and Dancehall) and icons
such as Bob Marley, Dennis Brown , whose birth we celebrate during Reggae Month. The Ministry of
Culture, Gender, Entertainment & Sport also secured the UNESCO inscription of the element The Reggae
Music of Jamaica to the coveted Representative List of Humanity.

Music, however, of all the fields of creative endeavor, is probably where Jamaica has most established
itself as a global brand. Jamaican musicians have benefitted from the dramatic changes in technology,
copyright laws and guidelines, marketing and branding strategies and the use of social media platforms.
The days of the obscure, struggling musician are now tempered by the many platforms which can be
used to promote visibility and public access, and many musicians really do it for, and crave the
endorsement of the proverbial “likes” on social media.

But with the increased possibility of access comes increased risks such as piracy, and the risk of not
benefitting from one’s creative genius.

There are many legislative tools and instruments available to further develop and sustain Jamaica’s
music industry. These include :……
The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment & Sport is also engaged in ….. to enure the continued
protection of our local talent and the viability of our creative forms of expression.