Ministry of Youth & Culture First 100 Days Report

FIRST 100 DAYS REPORT | MINISTRY OF YOUTH & CULTURE | APRIL 9, 2012

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GOVERNMENT OF JAMAICA

MINISTRY OF YOUTH & CULTURE

FIRST

100

DAYS

ACHIEVEMENTS


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CONTENTS

SUMMARY / RATIONALE ......................................................................................................................................... 3

TARGETED ACHIEVEMENTS .................................................................................................................................... 5

APPENDIX ............................................................................................................................................................. 16

Youth ............................................................................................................................................................... 16

Culture ............................................................................................................................................................. 18

JAMAICA CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION ....................................................................................... 20

JNHT ............................................................................................................................................................. 27

IOJ ................................................................................................................................................................ 28


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SUMMARY / RATIONALE

The Ministry of Youth and Culture represents the majority of our population that is 55% of the

persons under thirty years old. It also represents our culture an area that gives Jamaica one of

the best global competitive advantages today.

Therefore, we have to ensure that we are youth friendly and create opportunities for our young

people that will give them cutting edge training for jobs in today's world but as well as integrate

our youth initiatives so that we can have better use of our resources.

It is also clear, that we have to position the Ministry to implement initiatives that will strengthen

the institutional capacity of culture and heritage within our country and place it at the forefront

of our policy agenda. Accordingly, we must provide more training to our people in the cultural

industries while at the same time develop the policies critical for investment in these areas by the

private sector.

In an effort to achieve this mandate, Since January 6, 2012 I have taken a proactive approach

to.

1. Identify the technical needs within the Ministry and fill them

2. Implement a policy to have output based on performance with job descriptions

3. Strengthen the institutional capacity of the CDA

4. Develop private sector partnerships

5. Identify methods and financial resources to have more youth being trained and

mentored

6. Forge bilateral relationships with countries that have culture at the forefront of their policy

agenda

7. Chart a course to develop the policies critical for investment in the creative/cultural

industries and ensure that the cultural policy is completed this year

8. Assess existing legislation in relation to the NYS, JCDC and Noise Abatement

9. Assess the Jamaica 50 programme and implement it

10. Ensure that all mechanisms are in place to deliver the National Youth Policy this year

I consider it a privilege to be given the responsibility to lead this Ministry especially in our 50th

year of political independence and as we celebrate I am mindful of the awesome task that is

ahead of us to create an trained and productive work force that is bolstered with values of

excellence seeing Jamaica first, on a mission to positively drive our economy for the next

decade and beyond. Our youth and culture are important pillars for making this mission for our

country a reality.

Lisa Hanna,

Honourable Minister of Youth & Culture


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TARGETED

ACHIEVEMENTS


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FOCUS

NATIONAL YOUTH

SERVICE (NYS) &

YOUTH POLICY

YOUTH

DEVELOPMENT

CHILD

DEVELOPMENT

AGENCY (CDA)

NATIONAL YOUTH

SERVICE (NYS)

NATIONAL

CENTRE FOR

YOUTH

DEVELOPMENT

SHORT TERM GOALS

Revise NYS Policy to drive

curriculum – NYS Board

Chairman to be lead

contact and implementer

to work with IDB for

training/and ensuring the

project runs on schedule

for funds draw down

Employ

technical/manager to

oversee the effective

implementation of youth

policy

Create the “Youth

Empowerment Officer”

Programme in high

schools which will optimise

existing spaces to

capture, train and monitor

at risk youth

Meet with UTECH to

negotiate an MOU to use

existing students who

need community hours for

credits to become CDA

Investigating Officers to

be deployed across the

country to clear backlog

report. Approach UNICEF

for funds to train students.

(JAMVAT)

Integrates the Youth

Information Centre with

community centres and

community libraries to

take youth initiatives to

our youth rather than wait

for them to come to a YIC

Merge NYS/YIC spaces

within parishes while at

the same time

incorporating the housing

of the Office of the

Children’s Registry within

the spaces which will

allow for cost efficiencies

and staff productivity –

furthermore it will provide

a ‘one stop’ approach to

ACHIEVEMENTS

The Ministry’s objective to create a

youth friendly society using the NYS as

the driving force is on track with a range

of critical support services being

developed to provide them the

resources to determine their best path.

More information provided at section

titled Youth.

Removed CAP from NYS after

consultation with the Ministry of

Education. Submission is being

prepared for Cabinet in conjunction

with MDE on CAP as a general policy.

Met with the IDB officials and the

country manager to fast track the

implementation of the youth policy

Situation Analysis of Youth under IDB-

GOJ Project has been completed in St.

Mary, St. James, Hanover, Clarendon,

Trelawny, Kingston and St.

Andrew, Portmore and Greater St.

Catherine. All parishes will be

completed by April 30th.

On the 3rd of April a MOU was

negotiated and signed between the

Child Development Agency (CDA) and

the University of Technology (UTECH –

Students will earn credits via community

hours by becoming investigating officers

for the Child Development Agency

following appropriate training as well as

acting as councilors in Children’s

Homes.

Another MOU between Ministry and the

PSOJ YUTE programme has been

negotiated and signed on April 4th 2012

which will benefit 2700 young people.

The NYS Policy has revised its youth focus

in keeping with the values

gained/learned from the YUTE

programme. Those values are listed in

the section titled youth.

Youth Information Centres: Contract

signing and breaking of grounds for the

construction of the Clarendon and St.

Catherine Youth Information Centre.

Work has commenced. Contract signed

by PS Martin, HM Hanna, Contractor, IDB

and PIU.


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children, youth and

parents.

Merge all youth

databases to create one

functioning database

through upgraded social

media

Move NCYD back into

Ministry and ensure the

National Youth Policy

starts

National Youth Database: Compilation

of National Youth Databse in advanced

stage. The National Youth Database is a

new directive from HM Hanna.

Situation Analysis of Youth under IDB-

GOJ Project has been completed in St.

Mary, St. James, Hanover, Clarendon,

Trelawny, Kingston and St. Andrew,

Portmore and Greater St. Catherine. All

parishes will be completed by April 30th.

1. Memorandum of Understanding

(MOU) signed between the Child

Development Agency and the University

of Technology for:

o Level 3 Child and Adolescent

Development students

completing their six-week

practicum requirements, as well

as those who have completed

their course requirements and

have progressed to the 12 week

externship to assist in

investigating child abuse cases

referred to the CDA by the

Office of the Children’s Registry.

o 40 hour Community Service

Project for students in the Child

and Adolescent Development

will centre around volunteering

within the residential child care

sector

2. Plans advanced for Child

Psychology faculty members to assist in

psychological assessment of children in

care

UTech to assist in mobilizing Child and

Adolescent Development graduates to

form a professional volunteer group to

provide services to children in care

Building and maintaining relationship

with key stakeholders in the child

protection system:

Special consultation with privately-run

children’s homes to devise a sustainable

plan for government contribution to the

private residential care sector

Commitment to facilitate the extension

of CDA’s participation in the Strategic

Development Plan for Child Protection

(SDPCP) which involves the placement


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CHILD

DEVELOPMEN

T AGENCY

NATIONAL

YOUTH

SERVICE

Strengthening the

Agency’s capacity to

meet service demands:

Appoint NYS Board/

Revised NYS Policy in

keeping with value system

of YUTE Programme

(Merge possibility

programme)

of social workers at the Centre for

Investigation of Sexual Offences and

Child Abuse (CISOCA). Over a nine

month period, the Kingston based pilot

project resulted in only 67 children being

remanded out of a total of 1083.

Governance system in place to ensure

oversight, guidance and continuity:

Met with CDA’s executive management

team, which has been given the charge

to continue pursuing the Living in Family

Environments (LIFE) Programme as the

way forward for securing better

outcomes for children

NYS trained 815 youth in Business

Administration across Jamaica. The

participants have been deployed to

schools and other public bodies as

support personnel

NYS negotiated the construction of two

facilities (to be jointly built with YICs) in

Hanover and Trelawny

NYS Board named by Minister Hanna in

February 2012

Under the NYS Financial Assistance

Programme, $27 mil has been paid in

grants to tertiary institutions on behalf of

past participants

507 NYS Participants assessed in March

by NCTVET for Level 2 certification in

Community Health Aide and

Library/Inventory Management

Curriculum and Corporate Outreach

Consultancies under the YDP

Programme briefed on Minister’s

direction for the NYS

The National Summer Employment

Programme for 2012 is set to give work

experience to 5,000 students in

secondary and tertiary institutions

(implementation is March to September)


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YOUTH & ICT

EMPLOYMENT &

ENTREPRENEURSH

IP EXPO

Solicited funds from the World Bank to

host a major expo focusing on Youth

Employment and Entrepreneurship in the

Information, Communication, and

Technology sector. This will take place at

the end of June 2012.

Young people will take advantage of

training in ICT areas such as; graphic

design, mobile applications

development, and business

development among others.

Additional ICT employment will be

facilitated by micro work, crowd

sourcing and other telecommuting

options.

The World Bank, in collaboration with the

Government of Jamaica, and

Jamaican private sector operators in

the ICT sector, is organizing a 3-day

Business Development and Marketplace

event to be held in Kingston, Jamaica

on 21-22-23 June, 2012. The event will

see the participation of national private

sector ICT companies, potential national

and international investors, young start-

up companies, as well as the broader

youth population. Scope of the event is

to:

- Present new developments in the

global virtual economy that can offer

employment opportunities for young

Jamaicans;

- Facilitate an interaction between

young people, young professionals, and

young entrepreneurs with national and

international private sector companies

operating in the virtual economy;

- Showcase young Jamaican

achievements in the ICT sector to

national and international companies;

- Identify key policy issues that are

required to facilitate youth participation

in the virtual economy and find/create

employment opportunities either as self-

employment or by promoting business

development.

The target audience for the event is

two-fold:

- Young Jamaicans as far as

sensitization of the opportunities offered

by the virtual economy;

- International companies who may


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have an interest in outsourcing

employment opportunities to Jamaican

youths via the global virtual economy.

STRUCTURE OF THE EVENT

To achieve the stated goals, the event

will include:

1) Hackathon. A Hackathon on a

social development issue: A

HACKATHON aims at bringing together

developers, designers, experts and

authorities to explore solutions to

Jamaican social ills using technology in

particular mobile applications. The

exciting 24hr marathon hackathon will

be judged by a panel of experts who

will rate the proposed solutions and

declare a winning team. The team will

be awarded a special prize.

2) DigiJam Apps Competition. The

organization of am “app contest” where

teams of young Jamaicans can

compete to develop applications

(mobile or web-based). A basket of

apps will be commissioned by national

and international companies which will

sponsor the respective competition. A

panel of judges will select the finalist

teams who will be able to showcase

their apps at the event.

3) Click2 Work. How & Where to Get a

Job Online. Presentations by key players

in the global virtual economy linked to

the emerging areas of microwork, e-

lancing and crowdsourcing. We are

contacting companies to present their

modus operandi and illustrate how

these can make a difference for

Jamaican youths;

4) Dot Jobs Fair: The organization of a

job-fair and marketplace where

Jamaican and international companies

will set up booths open to youths. The

job fair expects to attract from 3,000 to

5,000 youths who will be able to interact

with companies, obtain information,

drop CVs and/or receive career advice

for the ICT sector.

5) A set of panel discussions running

parallel to the job-fair/marketplace. In

particular, two panels will be held with

the scope to:

a. Digital Skills That Pays the Bills:


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Present the experiences of successful

young Jamaicans who have managed

to get employment in the virtual

economy as micro-workers, free-lancers,

or entrepreneurs;

b. Experts addressing some of the

critical questions faced by young

people wanting to enter the virtual

global economy:

i. From Apps to Cash. Top 5 Ways How

to Monetize Your App.

ii. eCommerce. 5 Steps to Building a

Successful Online Business.

iii. Developing Game Apps that Win.

Connecting Jamaica to di World

Through Games.

iv. Social Media How to Use Social

Media to Drive Sales.

6) The organization of a “software

training camp” by John Henry

Thompson, a Jamaican and one of the

global leading figures in the world of

programming and inventor of the Lingo

programming language. The software

training camp will be run during day 3 of

the event in parallel to the other

activities.

REVIEW OF THE

YEP

PROGRAMME

Review YEP Programme

under JBYT

The review of the Youth

Entrepreneurship Programme under the

Jamaica Youth Business Trust (JYBT) is

completed. The NYS board along with

Hon Minister will meet with the

Development Bank of Jamaica, DBJ

and the JYBT in April.

JEEP

The Ministry's JEEP project will see close

to 200 persons being trained and

certified in Events Coordination, Lighting,

Stage Management, Production etc.

These persons will earn job experience

while assisting with the staging of

Jamaica's 50th celebration events.

The NYS will also implement a module to

train Tour Guides to serve on Cultural &

Heritage Tours for the Tourism sector.


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FOCUS

JAMAICA 50TH

SHORT TERM GOALS

Asses and implement the

Jamaica 50th Program

ACHIEVEMENTS An objective assessment of the Jamaica 50

proposal left by the previous administration

was completed and submitted to cabinet.

Cabinet reviewed and instructed that the

programme be restructured

Inter-Ministerial Committee for Jamaica 50

has been set up and is functioning.

Under the direction of newly appointed

Project Director, Mr. Robert Bryan, Jamaica

50 has been restructured and revised after

a submission to cabinet.

Jamaica 50 is now a realistic venture and

has been revamped to allow for a

celebration of which all Jamaica and the

Diaspora can be proud.

The re-scoped programme was presented

to the country via a Press Conference at

Jamaica House on Wednesday, April 4.


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CULTURE &

CULTURAL

INDUSTRIES

Whereas the cultural

industry has contributed

more net foreign

exchange than from

services in finance,

business, insurance and

construction combined at

JMD 2B in 2010, projected

to contribute 2.2 trillion to

the global economy in

2012. It stands to reason

that the cultural industry

must be positioned to

reap maximum returns.

Against that background

identify the technical

expertise required.

Hire short term Consultant

to deliver revised

Cultural/Creative

Industries Policy by June

Provide rationale to

merge CPTC/ PBCJ

Put policy in place to

achieve interface

necessary between the

Ministry and private sector

to build cultural industries

ie Noise Abatement Act

revised and

entertainment zone

implemented. Identify

space and investment for

music museum

Revision of National Cultural Policy. Work

has started on the revision of the National

Cultural Policy. Established in 2003, a

timeline has been given for completion by

June 1012.

Creation of a National Cultural Industries

Policy. A Concept Paper is being

prepared and will be brought to Cabinet

during April 2012 as the initial activity in the

policy development process.

Noise Abatement Act & Entertainment

Zones. Discussions have begun with the

Police, Public Defender and some

representatives of urban communities to

discuss the way forward for the

amendment of the Act. Meetings are

being coordinated between the MYC and

the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment.

The MYC has also been examining the Act

to assess the possible need for some

redrafting. The meetings are being

scheduled for April, after which the

recommendations will be placed before

Cabinet.

Tax Reform and the Creative Sector. The

MYC held consultations with

representatives of the creative sector on

the Tax Reform Agenda with a view to

develop a policy for cultural industry

investments, incentives and an exemptions

regime. Consultations, particularly with the

Bank of Jamaica, have commenced to

assess the contribution of the sector to

GDP. The assessment will be submitted to

Cabinet.

Staging of Reggae Month Celebrations.

The MYC provided logistic support for the

staging of Reggae Month 2012 as well as

secured funding from CHASE for JARIA.

Working closely with JARIA, the MYC was

able to ensure that the activities were

dynamic, properly organized and

coordinated. The MYC is in dialogue with

JARIA to strengthen the future economic

output of the month’s activities. Against

this background The MYC participated in

the captioned workshop that sought to

discuss ways to improve the collection of

data on the cultural industries within the

Balance of Payments Accounts of

countries. The discussion was in recognition

of the paucity of statistics on cultural and


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recreational services in BOP data, which

continue to put the sector at a

disadvantage in decision-making for

macro-economic advancement.

Accessed funding from the World Bank for

a major expo in the area of Culture will

take place this year. It will focus on using

ICT to take advantage of employment and

business opportunities in the Cultural

Industries and has been set for Heritage

Week 2012.

Colombian Government sponsored

Seminar on Cultural Policies for Cultural

Entrepreneurship and Cultural Industries.

The MYC participated in the captioned

seminar in Colombia. It was organised

within the framework of the Caribbean

Strategy of the Government of Colombia

and saw representatives from the

Caribbean and Latin America. This was

another very successful seminar as

participants were able to engage

Colombian agencies and learn of their

work in the creative sector. These include

the Colombian statistics agency, DANE; the

national training agency SENA; the Rosario

University; and the agency involved in

entrepreneurship PRANA. Proposed future

follow-up actions include the following:

o Proposed meeting between DANE,

Colombia’s statistics agency and

the MYC, PIOJ, BOJ, STATIN and

JAMPRO to share experiences on

data gathering on the sector,

especially in relation to its

contribution to GDP and BOP, as

well as on Colombia’s Culture

Satellite Account.

o MYC and JBDC to collaborate with

PRANA to strengthen the offerings

and deliverables from incubators

for cultural entrepreneurs.

o Collaboration between SENA and

HEART/NTA to deliver cultural

industries development project for

Jamaican Diaspora in San Andres,

Colombia.


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PUBLIC

PRIVATE

SECTOR

PARTNERSHIP

A Strategic focus to assist

with major projects in the

culture & creative

industry, e.g. King Street

Cultural Street process to

begin to declare it a

heritage site

Kingston Harbour to be

promenade to fit into plan

for creative/cultural

spaces

Museum on the North

Coast

Consultant in place to deliver revised

Cultural/Creative Industries Policy – a clear

policy and vision for Jamaican Culture has

begun with focus on developing Brand

Jamaica.

Collaborations with the Private Sector are

underway for the development of Culture

and Heritage with the view to establish a

music museum on the north coast.

Minister Hanna met with over 30 private

sector persons on Wednesday, April 4 and

has established a smaller committee to

prepare a business plan that will capture

investment to develop cultural Industries.

The Ministry is also in the process of seeking

commitments for special projects from the

private sector

JAMAICA

CULTURAL

DEVELOPMENT

COMMISSION

•Revise JCDC Act – Acquire

consultant to implement

restructure of organization

An assessment of the Jamaica Cultural

Development Commission was completed;

the proposed restructuring and refocusing

will enable critical strategic objectives to

be met more efficiently. See Appendix for

more Information

Consultant in place to implement upgrade

of the institution.

FOCUS

PUBLIC SECTOR

EFFICIENCY/

PRODUCTIVITY

SHORT TERM GOALS

Staff structure – identify

gaps in technical

expertise that is critical

to drive initiatives

Optimize staff functions

and efficiencies within

the Ministry and umbrella

agencies

Implement performance

evaluation job

descriptions

ACHIEVEMENTS

A Structural and Strategic Review of the

Ministry has begun with a view to

implement output focused job

descriptions in tandem with

performance based evaluations (PMAS).

The Ministry of Finance has given

approval to employ a Consultant to do

JD's as well as Corporate and

Operational plans all costed. The

consultant will also look at Corporate

Structure and make recommendations

to Cabinet Office for restructuring.

IMPROVED

COMMUNICATION

STRATEGIES

Improve communication

with a focus on utilizing

A New Media Consultant is in place to

drive communications via new media

and a Communication Strategy has


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and creating the

communication

necessary to make our

youth feel a part of the

Ministry and to ensure

they are kept aware of

all happenings.

been developed for the Ministry.

Weekly Youth Forums have been

convened with various schools and

youth serving organisations allowing the

Minister to interface directly with young

people to present her plan for youth

development while taking questions

and suggestions.

FORGING

BILATERAL

RELATIONS

Work with countries that

position culture at the

forefront of their National

Agenda

Visited Cuba in February and met with

former President, Fidel Castro as well as

the present and former Minister of

Culture.

Talks are currently underway regarding

bilateral agreements between Ministries.

BOARD

APPOINTMENTS Submit boards

Appointed

Child Development Agency –

Adoption

Child Development Agency –

Advisory

Institute of Jamaica

Jamaica Cultural Development

Commission

Museum of History & Ethnography

National Library of Jamaica

National Youth Service

African Caribbean Institute of

Jamaica

Jamaica National Heritage Trust

Submitted to Cabinet

National Gallery

CPTC

National Committee on Reparations

To Be Completed

Natural History

Maxfield Park

Junior Centres of East Street,

Portmore & Half Way Tree

UNESCO


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APPENDIX

YOUTH

Youth Focus

Youth being provided with a range of critical support services which will give them resources to

determine the best path for them:

A. Youth Friendly Society

Overall a key objective of the MYC is to create a youth friendly society, to achieve this through a

range of programme interventions. Focus on:

1) Youth consultation, engagement and feedback (similar to what you now do in part

where you go and talk with them and listen to them)

2) Youth and crime (their rights, how the police them, the implications of how they

treat them)

3) Youth and justice (what are your rights, how they are treated by the system)

4) Youth and health care services (how health care providers treat with them,

depression for example is an issue that is ignored, you are young so you cannot be

depressed, next thing the young person commits suicide)

5) Youth at the work place (sensitising employers to the reality of a young person

entering the workforce for the first time, suggest on the job mentorship, NYS will support

this training)

6) Youth and access to post-secondary training (what can you access, what is

recognised etc.)

B. Youth Volunteerism

· To build leadership skills civic pride and responsibility.

· Giving an opportunity to explore career options.

· Giving a sense of ownership.

· Begin the process of networking

C. Information to Young Persons

Through YICs or a variation of same

· Access to career counselling


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· Peer counselling

· Sessions on reproductive and sexual health

· Quarterly workshops around stress management, conflict resolution etc.

D. Support & Opportunity

1) Mentors to support decision making and address issues – the model is not likely to

be one on one as there are clear limitations as it relates to finding adequate number of

mentors, group mentorship model likely to be used.

2) Access to work experiences which will give them an opportunity to explore career

options, in particular in non-traditional areas.

a. For a period of up to 12 months

b. Short internships of 3 – 6 months

c. Apprenticeship – Using current work based model of NYS

d. Work experience through a learn and earn model, in particular for those with

financial challenges an opportunity to work while upgrading their basic skills.

E. Youth Entrepreneurship

Repositioning the concept of youth entrepreneurship with a greater focus on value added

activities, focus on areas such as culture, IT, tourism as options for entrepreneurship. The Ministry

would work with the following to build this out:

· JBDC for supporting the development of innovative products and services

· RADA for alternative agriculture which fits the profile our young persons.

· The DBJ for providing through existing MFIs finance opportunities for young

entrepreneurs which are guided by international best practise.

F. Youth with Disabilities

1) Support efforts to finalise the National Disability Act. Review of the existing

Convention to ensure that we are current on all elements in the Convention which

relate to young persons.

2) Lobby for support services for young persons to enter tertiary institutions and the

workplace. Work with the Minister of Labour and Social Security to explore the

Sheltered workshop model.

G. Most Vulnerable Young persons


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Specialised programme building on the lessons from both the YUTE U-Turn Model and earlier NYS

experiences.

CULTURE

1. Revision of National Cultural Policy. Work has started on the revision of the National

Cultural Policy. Established in 2003, a timeline has been given for completion by June

1012. The revision of the Cultural Policy will provide a framework for the assessment of the

achievements of the public cultural sector and set the platform for the work to be done

at this stage in our development.

2. Creation of a National Cultural Industries Policy. In spite of the inclusion of Chapters

related to Cultural Industries and Cultural Entrepreneurship in the National Cultural Policy,

discussions have focused on the need for a Cultural Industries Policy to propel the sector

for national economic advantage. A Concept Paper is being prepared and will be

brought to Cabinet during April 2012 as the initial activity in the policy development

process.

3. Leadership of CARICOM Task Force on Cultural Industries. The MYC continues to provide

leadership to the work of this Task Force whose aim is to create a comprehensive

Regional Cultural Industries Strategy that will focus on exemptions and incentives,

capitalization, capacity building, human resource development, research, regulation

and trade negotiations. The MYC led the presentation of the draft document to the

Council on Human and Social Development (COHSOD). COHSOD adopted the

document, which will next be presented to the Council on Trade and Development

(COTED) in May. Consultations on this document were held in Jamaica among the

sector representatives.

4. Leadership of Interim Festival Directorate. The next staging of CARIFESTA is scheduled for

Suriname in 2013. The MYC is playing a leadership role in the planning process for

CARIFESTA as Chair of the Interim Festival Directorate which collaborates with the Host

Country to manage the Festival. As such, the Committee met with Suriname during the

last COHSOD to discuss ways to ensure that the next staging of CARIFESTA position this

mega festival as the Caribbean’s premier marketplace for cultural products and

services.

5. Hosting of Visit of the Chongqing Cultural Troupe. The MYC hosted the visit of the

aforementioned group within the framework of our cultural cooperation agreement with

the People’s Republic of China. This was done through partnership with the Chinese

Benevolent Association, the Chinese community, UDC, Bob Marley Museum, Edna

Manley College and Jamaica College. The Troupe had three successful presentations:

Public Concert at the Chinese Benevolent Association

Special Concert for Schools at Jamaica College in the presence of Jamaica

College, Kingston College, Jesse Ripoll Primary, Mona High and Papine High.

Special Workshop with students of Edna Manley College.

6. Noise Abatement Act & Entertainment Zones. Discussions have begun with the Police,

Public Defender and some representatives of urban communities to discuss the way

forward for the amendment of the Act. Meetings are being coordinated between the


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MYC and the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment. The MYC has also been examining

the Act to assess the possible need for some redrafting. The meetings are being

scheduled for April, after which the recommendations will be placed before Cabinet.

7. Tax Reform and the Creative Sector. The MYC held consultations with representatives of

the creative sector on the Tax Reform Agenda with a view to develop a policy for

cultural industry investments, incentives and an exemptions regime. Consultations,

particularly with the Bank of Jamaica, have commenced to assess the contribution of

the sector to GDP. The assessment will be submitted to Cabinet.

8. Staging of Reggae Month Celebrations. The MYC provided logistic support for the

staging of Reggae Month 2012 as well as secured funding from CHASE for JARIA.

Working closely with JARIA, the MYC was able to ensure that the activities were dynamic,

properly organized and coordinated. The MYC is in dialogue with JARIA to strengthen

the future economic output of the month’s activities.

Against this background The MYC participated in the captioned workshop that sought to

discuss ways to improve the collection of data on the cultural industries within the

Balance of Payments Accounts of countries. The discussion was in recognition of the

paucity of statistics on cultural and recreational services in BOP data, which continue to

put the sector at a disadvantage in decision-making for macro-economic

advancement.

9. Jamaica Day in schools. The MYC partnered with the Culture in Education Programme

of the Ministry of Education in the staging of Jamaica Day in schools on February 17. This

was an immensely successful activity. The MYC engaged with the following schools:

Lewisville High (New Market, St. Elizabeth), Manchester High, Central High (May Pen),

Braeton Primary and Junior High, Marcus Garvey Technical and Jonathan Grant High.

10. Accompong Maroon celebrations. The MYC provided logistic support for the staging of

this significant activity. The MYC continues to work closely with the Maroon communities

to enhance their celebrations for social and economic benefit. Reference has also been

made with the JBDC for support in the development of Maroon heritage artefacts.

11. Mounting of Bob Marley Monument at UTECH Sculpture Park. The MYC was part of the

process that welcomed the gift of a Bob Marley Monument by a Russian Sculptor to the

people of Jamaica. The monument was mounted at the UTECH Sculpture Park and was

unveiled by Hon. Minister of Youth and Culture on Bob Marley Day, February 6.

12. Support to Alliance Francaise for the staging of a concert. The MYC through its cultural

exchange programme as well as its policy to support the staging of visiting international

artists to Jamaica, provided logistic support to the Alliance Francaise in the staging of a

concert featuring Fethi Tabet, Algerian-French artist and his band at the Courtleigh

Auditorium. The concert was quite successful. Fethi Tabet discussed with the MYC his

desire to do future projects in Jamaica, including the use of music in social therapy in

prisons and other areas of vulnerability.

13. Support to SAINT International event in Clarendon. The MYC provided logistic support for

the first staging of FASHION ESCAPE in May Pen, Clarendon, organized by SAINT

International. The MYC was approached by SI and was able to assist in making contacts

and providing some technical advice.

14. Labour Day 2012. Initial meetings have begun with the Labour Day Core Committee.

The Core Committee has representation from Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Local


20 | P a g e

Government, SDC, JCDC, JDF, NWA, TPDCO, and Ministry of Transport. The work of the

Labour Day Secretariat and Committee will get into high gear during this month of April.

15. Reggae Band to Korea. The CSHARP Band will represent Jamaica at a Latin American

and Caribbean Festival in Korea. The Korean Government through its embassy

requested the participation of a Reggae band in the mentioned festival. The festival was

being organized to recognize 50 years of diplomatic relations between Korea and

several countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. Jamaica was among five

countries invited to participate. Participation in the festival is covered by the Korean

Government. The request was for a band of a maximum of six persons.

JAMAICA CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

Critical Strategic Objectives

The proposed restructuring and refocusing of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission

(JCDC) over the next three years will involve the following:

1. Amending the current Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s Act of 1968 & 1980

to broaden the mandate of the JCDC with a view of making it more relevant and

responsive to the current and foreseeable needs of its critical stakeholders (see full

details attached):

a. Establish and maintain a national directory/registry of talents and artisans and

making the information available for the purpose of research, promotions and

advancement of such artistes and artists;

b. Develop criteria for the accreditation and endorsement of authentic Jamaican

cultural products;

c. Encourage and support active Parish Cultural Development Foundations (NGOs)

as a vehicle for the development, promotion and preservation of cultural

expressions and practices across the island;

d. Collaborate with the Ministry of Education in the development of appropriate

programmes and initiatives that will encourage the promotion of culture in

education throughout the education system.

2. Exploiting and maximizing the economic potentials available through the cultural

products we unearth and develop through the:

a. Production and sale of CDs & DVDs showcasing the best of each year’s talent

festivals;


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b. Management and marketing of outstanding talents unearthed through the

Festival competitions;

c. Offering of items drawn from the Visual Arts competition for sale locally and via

the internet;

d. Production and Sale of Cookbooks developed from outstanding recipes, from the

annual Culinary Arts Competitions.

3. Moving the JCDC towards a position of greater self-sufficiency and financial

independence through a structured system of revenue collections resulting in the

Commission earning at least 50% of its operating budget by 2015:

a. The Commission is authorized to determine and collect fees for the use of any of

the country’s national emblems or symbols by private interests for commercial

purposes;

b. The Commission is authorized to collect fees for the approval, accreditation and

or endorsement of any cultural events or products that may require such. Such

rates will be determined subject to the approval of the Minister;

c. The provision and delivery of first class events management services to the

Government as well as to private concerns at competitive rates

d. Establishment of Gift Shop catering to walk-in and online customers

e. Establish costume rental facilities;

f. Offer events equipment rental;

g. Offer graphic arts design and printing services;

h. Rental of advertising space/boards at entertainment venues;

i. Offer advertising opportunities on new website ;

j. Upgrade and aggressively market the Ranny Williams Entertainment complex;

k. Partner with Hotels & Duty Free Stores to sell JCDC products (CD’s/clothing

/souvenirs).

4. Enhancing the JCDC’s ability to promote and market cultural products consistent with an

adherence to global standards:

a. Promote ‘Brand Jamaica’ throughout the Jamaican Diaspora and globally;

b. Create greater opportunities for talented Jamaicans to achieve optimal

exposure both locally and abroad in the pursuit of their careers;


22 | P a g e

c. Develop mechanisms for the promotion of the Jamaican cultural expressions in

international arenas complementing our outstanding world class athletes. For

example, having outstanding performers participating in Opening/Closing

Ceremonies at World/Olympic games etc.;

d. Pursue and promote opportunities that foster cultural exchanges in keeping with

international treaties and bilateral agreements.

5. Reengaging and galvanizing the contributions of volunteers in rural communities across

the island in programmes using culture as a tool for community and national

development:

a. Transforming the Parish Cultural Development Committees into Cultural

Development Foundations (NGOs) thereby qualifying them to attract

international funding;

b. Expansion of the Culture Club (in schools) Programme to involve community and

youth groups;

c. Utilize the arts in a meaningful way to transmit important national messages to the

wider community. For example, through ‘Community Drama’.

6. Creating and sustaining meaningful cultural products in conjunction with the Tourism

sector, that can enhance tourism and boost economic growth:

a. Create professional cultural touring theatre a′ la Cirque Soleil model for local

hotel sector, international arts festivals/competitions and big sporting occasions;

b. Partner with hotels to strengthen ‘Jamaica Nights’ entertainment;

c. Partnering with major hotels to offer Jamaican celebrations using local cultural

contents;

d. Collaborating with the Cruise Shipping industry in providing lunch hour concerts

for its visitors at ports of call. [Similar arrangements would also be made with the

two major airports].

7. Developing and strengthening the documentation of our cultural achievements for

preservation, educational and marketing purposes:


23 | P a g e

a. Develop and sustain a unique (niche) cultural archive on Jamaican cultural icons

and the Jamaican intangible culture at large;

b. Establish a multimedia museum at the (upgraded) Lou & Ranny Entertainment

Complex;

c. To develop and maintain a centralized database of cultural data and make

available for research and development internationally.

8. Empowering the JCDC with regulatory powers and authority in the approval and

endorsement of programmes and events labelled as ‘authentic Jamaican cultural

products,’ (particularly in the tourism sector) as well as the use of Jamaica’s National

Emblems by promoters and individuals, locally and internationally:

a. Establish and maintain appropriate protocols for the use of Jamaica’s national

emblems;

b. Regulate and ‘police’ the use of our emblems;

c. Working in conjunction with the other regulatory agencies, such as the Fire

Department, Police, Parish Councils and the KSAC, to approve the

appropriateness of cultural programmes and events for the granting of permits.

9. Expanding the Arts Development Programme to attract increased participation

particularly in the rural parishes:

a. Ensuring that a minimum of 75% of all educational institutions participates in at

least two areas of the Arts Development programme;

b. Forge strategic alliances with the relevant training institutions to ensure the

integration of arts and culture in the education system;

c. Enlist the participation of students of the Edna Manley College for the Visual and

Performing Arts in work-study and internship programmes with the JCDC.

10. Ensuring that all anniversaries of national importance (e.g. Independence, Emancipation,

Heritage and Workers’ Week) are appropriately celebrated with programmes and events

of the highest international standard and quality.

PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE ACT:


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A review of the existing Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Act (1968 & 1980), reveals

the need to amend certain sections through expansion and insertion of some clauses as well as

the introduction of new provisions. The recommendations are captured in the table below:

Section Existing Clause Recommended Amendments

(Additions/Changes)

4.-(1)

FUNCTIONS OF

THE

COMMISSION

The Commission shall:

a. promote cultural

programmes and activities in

communities throughout the Island;

b. encourage and organize

each year’s independence

anniversary celebrations and

other celebrations marking

occasions of national

interest;

c. stimulate the development

of local talents by means of

training, workshops,

competitions, exhibitions,

pageants, parades, displays

and such other activities as

the Commission may from

time to time determine;

d. Complement the work of

other agencies engaged in

the carrying out of

community development

programmes throughout the

Island.

The Mandate is to be expanded to include:

e. Promote ‘Brand Jamaica’ throughout

the Jamaican Diaspora and globally;

f. Create opportunities for the continued

development and promotion of local

artistes and cultural practitioners

unearthed through the national

competitions;

g. Establish and maintain a national

directory/registry of talents and artisans

and making the information available

for the purpose of research, promotions

and advancement of such artistes and

artists;

h. Provide events production and

management services to other

government agencies, institutions and

departments and be the lead agency

for all national and commemorative

events;

i. Develop criteria for the accreditation

and endorsement of authentic

Jamaican cultural products;

j. Encourage and support active Parish

Cultural Development Foundations

(NGOs) as a vehicle for the

development, promotion and

preservation of cultural expressions and

practices across the island;


25 | P a g e

k. Collaborate with the Ministry of

Education in the development of

appropriate programmes and initiatives

that will encourage the promotion of

culture in education throughout the

education system;

l. Develop and maintain appropriate

mechanisms for the protection and

proper use of the country’s national

symbols such as the Flag, Coat of Arm,

Anthem etc.;

m. See to the establishment and

maintenance of appropriate space

and facilities for the showcasing of local

talents across the island;

n. Pursue and promote opportunities that

foster cultural exchanges in keeping

with international treaties and bilateral

agreements;

5. (1)

Funds of the

Commission.

The funds of the Commission shall consist

of such moneys as may from time to time

be placed at its disposition for the

purposes of this Act by Parliament and

such other moneys as may lawfully be

paid to the Commission.

The Commission is authorized to engage in

income earning commercial activities and

is allowed to keep and utilize all revenues

earned from such activities as it sees fit with

the approval of the Minister.

The Commission may charge for services

offered in the production and

management of events for public or private interests at such rates that it may from time

to time set and are approved by the

Minister.

The Commission is authorized to collect fees

for the approval, accreditation and or

endorsement of any cultural event or

products that may require such. Such rates

will be determined subject to the approval

of the Minister.


26 | P a g e

The Commission is authorized to determine

and collect fees for the use of any of the

country’s national emblems or symbols by

private interests for commercial purposes.

Schedule10.(1)

Power to

appoint officers,

agents and

servants.

The Commission may appoint and

employ at such remuneration and on

such terms and conditions as it thinks fit, a

director, and such other officers, agents,

and servants as it thinks necessary for the

proper carrying out of its functions:

Provided that no director, officer, agent

or Servant shall be employed by the

Commission at a salary in excess of Three

Thousand Dollars per annum without the

prior approval of the Minister.

Highlighted section to be changed to read:

“….Provided that no director, officer, agent

or servant shall be employed by the

commission at a salary in excess of existing

comparative rates in the public services…”

NEW RECOMMENDATIONS

SUB-HEAD DETAILS

Section10.

Compliance and

Regulatory Powers

and Authority

a) The Commission shall have authority to categorize and determine the

appropriateness of authentic Jamaican cultural products for public

consumption and may grant or deny approval to all interests that seek or

require such determination and/or approval.

b) The Commission shall be entrusted the responsibility to ensure and

encourage the proper and appropriate use of Jamaica’s National

Emblems. It shall have the right to deny or approve any request for the use

of same by private/public or foreign interests whether for commercial or

any other purposes.

c) Pursuant to (b) above the Commission shall determine and collect a fee

for the provision of such services. Such fees will be reviewed periodically as

the Commission sees fit subject to the approval of the Minister.

d) Pursuant to (b) the Commission may level a fine or pursue legal recourse


27 | P a g e

for any breach committed by anyone in respect of the use, abuse or

misuse of any of the National Emblems.

JCDC ACHIEVEMENTS

1. Installation of the new Prime Minister. The JCDC played a major production role in the

staging of the installation ceremony for Prime Minister, the Most Honorable Portia Simpson

Miller. This was a very successful event with the JCDC providing logistic support.

2. The Visit of the Archbishop of York. The JCDC played a major role in the organization of

a national service to commemorate the visit of the Archbishop of York within the

framework of our 50th anniversary of Nationhood. The service was held at the Webster

Memorial Church.

3. National Festival of the Arts Eliminations. Eliminations have been proceeding across the

island in the National Festival of the Arts. This process includes judging at local levels at

which point entries are assessed for their readiness and quality for presentation at Parish

Finals.

4. Children’s Gospel Song. The finalists in this competition have been selected after rigorous

training (seminars and workshops). The Finals will be held on May 20.

5. National Gospel and Festival Song. The ten finalists in each of these competitions have

been selected. There were many entries, demonstrating the interest and enthusiasm of

the people. The organization is currently in the process of album production.

6. Support for the Visit of Prince Harry. The JCDC was engaged in the implementation of

activities related to the visit of Prince Henry (Harry) of Wales and, as such, provided

logistic support. The Prince’s visit was in commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee of his

grandmother, Queen Elizabeth the Second. The JCDC assumed control of production

and décor for specific activities of the visit.

7. Culture Clubs. The JCDC has been active in establishing Culture Clubs in schools across

Jamaica. The aim is to promote greater awareness of Jamaican culture and foster more

involvement in the activities of the organization among the school population. The

period saw the launch of clubs in Western Jamaica.

8. Major Events for Jamaica 50. The JCDC continued to support the Jamaica 50 Secretariat

in the development of activities for the Jamaica 50 Independence Programme.

9. JCDC JEEP Project. The JCDC is to embark on a training and development programme

to train 150 young people in events planning and implementation. The plan is for these

young people to work with the JCDC staff across the island during the busy

Independence period.

JNHT


28 | P a g e

10. Acquisition of childhood home of Marcus Mosiah Garvey. The JNHT has met with the

Attorney General’s Office and the Commissioner of Lands regarding plans to proceed

with the compulsory acquisition of the property which served as the childhood home of

National Hero, Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey. A Cabinet Note will be prepared

indicating the recommendation that the owners of the property be compensated and

relocated.

11. Restoration of Seville Great House. The restoration of the Seville Great House is near

completion. Work on the exhibition has begun and should be completed by June.

IOJ

12. Acquisitions to the National Collection. A dress worn by Edna Manley has been donated

to the National Collection.

13. Jamaica Music Museum Reggae Month Programme. During Reggae Month, the

Jamaica Music Museum staged a successful series of lectures titled Groundation. The

series included presentations and interviews as well as performances.

14. Barrington Watson Retrospective. The National Gallery has staged this very successful

retrospective on Barrington Watson as part of its Jamaica 50 programme. The

Retrospective was opened by Hon. Minister Hanna. Barrington Watson was present with

members of his family.

15. Donation to the Junior Centre. At the instigation of Judge Pamela Appelt, the Junior

Centre received a donation of J$500,000 from Canada to carry on its programmes.

16. Revival Exhibition. The IOJ supported the programme for UTC Week by remounting their

Multi-media Exhibition Revival at the Theological College.

17. Presentation on Haiti. Liberty Hall organized a presentation on Haiti: Challenges and

Opportunities. This was part of the programme to promote greater awareness of Haiti

and engage the Jamaican community in activities to assist the Haitian people.

18. World Wetlands Day. This was observed in a programme at Mason River in Clarendon.

Mason River is now recognized internationally as a Ramsar site, i.e. a site deemed of

international importance.

19. Jamaica Journal. Volume 33 of the Journal was launched in January.

Ministry of Youth & Culture First 100 Days Report

Documents

Transcript of Ministry of Youth & Culture First 100 Days Report