CHASE Fund Continues to Provide Financial Support for Cultural Projects

The Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund continues to provide strong financial support for many cultural projects and events to highlight the nation’s heritage.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CHASE Fund, W. Billy Heaven, said the Fund has already provided approximately $49.5 million toward expenses for Jamaica’s 60th Independence celebratory events and legacy projects, and continues to engage the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport (MCGES) about more opportunities to highlight the heritage.

“Our support is critical to the implementation of these annual activities which remind us of where we are coming from and unifies us through the many avenues of creative expressions,” Mr. Heaven said.

He reiterated that “CHASE understands the value and potential of our cultural heritage to national development and wisely allocates its resources to achieve this outcome”.

Hence, the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) was granted $4 million for the 25th staging of its flagship national event, Seville Emancipation Jubilee.

An important item on Jamaica’s “Emancipendence” celebrations calendar each year, the event commemorates the ending of slavery.

Executive Director of the JNHT, Michelle Creed Nelson, told JIS News that CHASE’s support was crucial to this year’s staging of the event.

“Were it not for that support we could not have had this event, which plays such a pivotal role in the Jamaica 60 celebrations, because it was the first national event for the Jamaica 60 celebrations,” Mrs. Creed Nelson said.

Annually, thousands of Jamaicans and foreigners attend the Seville Emancipation Jubilee from July 31 into August 1 ‘August Mawnin’. These patrons delight in the live cultural performances and traditional Jamaican cuisine, including the all-you-can-drink ‘Chocolate tea’ served in enamel mugs. They are also reminded of and participate in sombre reflections on the struggles of African ancestors and the significance of emancipation.

Commending the Fund for being a major contributor to national events and celebrations, Mrs. Creed Nelson hailed the entity for its responsive nature.

“Based on my knowledge of what they have done for other cultural entities, their support has been great, and it can only go from strength to strength. And I just want to thank CHASE again, because they have really assisted us, not only in this event but in other initiatives that we have had during the course of the year as well,” she said.

The Alexandria Development Area Committee, in St. Ann, is also among the recipients that received CHASE Fund sponsorship. The committee was awarded $4 million to offset costs for the staging of the Jamaica 60th Sound Fest at the Myrtle Gallimore Community Centre, in St. D’Acre, on August 5.

It began as a family event with entertainment for all ages during the day, then shifted focus towards adults at nightfall.

Some of Jamaica’s most famous sound systems, including Bass Odyssey, Killamanjaro, Rickey Trooper and Pink Panther treated the residents to an exhilarating experience.

Secretary of the Committee, Faith Johnson, is grateful that CHASE Fund continues to endorse the group’s efforts, especially as the event provided a space for entertainment practitioners and entrepreneurs in the area to show off their talent and products.

“They trust us, and they grant us funds so that we can accomplish what we set out to do. We are happy that there is an entity out there willing to help us whenever we call on them. Thank you, CHASE, for always considering us,” Ms. Johnson said.

With most of the Jamaica 60 celebrations concluded, CHASE Fund is pleased to know that its support afforded many Jamaicans the opportunity to revel in Independence activities and deepen their appreciation for history, culture, and heritage.

“Age 60 has been earned at the relentless struggle and immeasurable sacrifice of all Jamaicans. It is our duty to celebrate this journey together and pay homage to those who have paved the way,” Mr. Heaven told JIS News.