PM Says Commission Making Important Strides to Develop the Cultural and Creative Industries
By: , October 26, 2015The Key Point:
Photo: Yhomo Hutchinson
Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller is pleased to greet the fastest man and woman in the world, Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce respectively at the Prime Minister’s Reception to congratulate and express gratitude on behalf of the nation, to the members of the country’s team who participated in the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China. The Reception was held on the lawns of Vale Royal on Friday, October 16.The Facts
- According to the Prime Minister, who is also Chair of the Commission, the Government has reinforced the placement of the CCI on its policy and planning agenda.
- The Commission was established in March 2014 on the instruction of the Prime Minister and is represented by members from the Government, private sector, and cultural and creative industries.
The Full Story
Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller says important strides have been made over the past few months to propel the development of the cultural and creative industries (CCI).
“I am very pleased with the work that has been undertaken over the past couple months by the National Cultural and Creative Commission. The Commission is using a targeted and business approach to build the cultural and creative industries. It has been a busy time behind the scenes for the Commission and some important milestones have been achieved,” said Prime Minister Simpson Miller who was speaking at the 4th meeting of the Commission held at Jamaica House on Wednesday, October 21, 2015.
“The cultural and creative industries are a significant part of the Government’s growth agenda. We have made great steps so far and hope to build on that momentum as we move forward to growing and building a vibrant and creative economy,” said Prime Minister Simpson Miller.
According to the Prime Minister, who is also Chair of the Commission, the Government has reinforced the placement of the CCI on its policy and planning agenda. To this end, new priorities for the industries approved by Cabinet have been included in the Government’s medium term socio-economic policy framework (2015-2018). In addition, the process of developing the budget for the priorities approved by Cabinet is now taking place within Government.
In the meantime, Chair of the Commission’s Technical Working Group, Dr. Deborah Hickling said significant groundwork has taken place and three major accomplishments have been realised. These are the development of the policy framework document, using the policy framework to identify the priorities to inform the planning process for PIOJ and contracting the services of a consultant to develop a business plan for the CCI. The business plan is aimed at identifying the global business opportunities based on detailed market industry and value chain analysis and the requirements to capitalise on these; addressing the legislative and supportive framework required to propel the targeted industries and designing a road map for the development and growth of the CCI. The contract period is for four months effective October 2015 and is funded by the World Bank Foundation for Competitiveness and Growth Project.
Further plans to be undertaken include completing the policy by the end of this financial year and developing and executing a public education campaign for next financial year. A workshop in December is also being planned where major industry players will be invited to decide on the Government’s research and data gathering agenda. Research is seen as one of the facilitators as well as an economic driver for CCI development.
The Commission was established in March 2014 on the instruction of the Prime Minister and is represented by members from the Government, private sector, and cultural and creative industries.