$2.6 Billion Allocated To Support Creative Industry

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, says over $2.6 billion has been earmarked in the 2015/16 Budget for allocation across all Ministries, to support Jamaica’s creative economy.

Mrs. Simpson Miller, who made the announcement during her 2015/16 Budget Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on March 24, said the lion’s share of $1.2 billion has been allocated to the Ministry of Youth and Culture and its agencies, “for ongoing cultural programmes.”

The Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining will receive the second highest allocation of approximately $184 million, which the Prime Minister indicated will focus specifically on neutraceuticals, and the animation industry.

As it relates to neutraceuticals, Mrs. Simpson Miller noted that Jamaica is credited with having over 50 per cent of the plants identified globally as having medicinal properties. Additionally, she said the country is credited with having “some of the best healing waters in the world,” notably at Rockfort Mineral Springs in Kingston; Milk River, Clarendon; and Bath, St. Thomas.

“We are ensuring that these national assets are developed in a sustainable and strategic manner, in order that our country and our people can derive maximum benefits,” the Prime Minister said, adding that, “we (also) look forward to the benefits to be derived from medical marijuana.”

The Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment is slated to receive $83 million, which Mrs. Simpson Miller explained “has been allocated for the implementation of programmes, including craft enhancement.” This sum is $75 million more than the $11 million that was allocated during 2014/15.

Mrs. Simpson Miller said $83 million has been allocated to the Ministry of Industry, Investment, and Commerce, while $10 million is earmarked for coordinating activities across Ministries, through the newly established National Cultural and Creative Industries Commission.