JCDC Signs $60 Million Sponsorship Deal with Claro

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) today (April 14) signed the largest sponsorship contract in its history with telecommunications provider, Claro.
The sponsorship will see the company contributing more than $60 million in support over three years towards the Commission’s activities, including Jamaica Festival.
Speaking at the signing held at the JCDC’s Phoenix Avenue headquarters, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange, welcomed the support, noting that it is in keeping with the Ministry’s thrust to forge partnerships with the private sector to develop and advance the country’s cultural industries.
“The strong support of the private sector is critical to our strategy. This partnership will greatly assist our strategic moves to preserve our country’s highly treasured culture, and the development of our cultural industries,” Miss Grange told the gathering.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange (right) accepts a Blackberry Bold handset from Marketing Manager for Claro, Joseph Oates. Occasion was the signing of a $60 million sponsorship agreement between Claro and the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) yesterday (April 14) at the JCDC’s Phoenix Avenue offices in Kingston.

She noted that the Ministry is very serious about cultural development and making the steps necessary to ensure the continued development of national pride, and maintaining the important traditions that define Jamaicans as a people, as well as to find and develop new talent.
“It is clear that the cultural and creative industries will be critical in the new economy. If there is one characteristic that defines us as Jamaicans, it is our creativity.through the JCDC and other agencies, we will put our creativity to work to create wealth and to alleviate poverty,” Miss Grange stated.
Claro will be the official mobile network of Jamaica Festival 2010 and the title sponsor for all JCDC-affiliated events this season, including the Jamaica Festival Song and Jamaica Festival Queen competitions, and the Independence Day Grand Gala.
In his remarks, Marketing Manager for Claro, Mr. Joseph Oates said the company is pleased to be the title sponsor for Festival 2010. “We envision a great year for Festival 2010 and are confident that this will be one of the biggest and best festival celebrations in Jamaica’s history.but today is not just about money, its more about the value and benefit that will be derived from this venture,” Mr. Oates stated.
In February, the JCDC undertook a major re-branding effort, which saw the introduction of a new logo, museum, gift shop, and a raft of other initiatives, which form part of a comprehensive three-year development strategy.