Entertainment Registry to be Established in July

The Ministry of Tourism is to establish an Entertainment Registry, on July 31, 2014, aimed at certifying and registering local entertainment practitioners.

Speaking at a JIS ‘Think Tank’ on May 15, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Damion Crawford, explained that the registry will provide a central portal for listing Jamaican entertainment services and companies.

This will include their key profile and contact information; legitimise the entertainment industry for greater economic benefit; facilitate efficiency and transparency within the entertainment industry, and provide for the free movement of creative skills internationally and across the region.

“The registry is an attempt to better coordinate and organize the entertainment industry, so that it can be viewed and operated as a business. We do not know how many persons qualify for tools of trade, because we do not know who an artiste is and who are the entertainment practitioners,” the State Minister said.

“It is not the same for tourism, it is not the same for other industries, because the practitioners and participants are clearly defined, so we want to have a registry that will have entertainment practitioners clearly defined,” Mr. Crawford added.

He noted too, that the Government has found it difficult to fund, contribute and implement policies for the enhancement of entertainment, hence the reason for the registry, to streamline and create a more structured industry.

Importantly, he emphasized that while all other entertainment practitioners have the option of registering, it will be mandatory for all promoters of entertainment events, as this is the only way they will obtain a Place of Amusement licence.

“A deejay for example might choose not to be registered, but need to understand that he would not obtain the benefits that come with it….and so a person who is turned back from entering a country and who is not registered, can make no claim for us to defend his rights,” the State  Minister outlined.

He noted that persons who are new to the industry or those who are not recognized as bona fide practitioners would have to wait for two years before they are considered fully registered. All others would be fully registered after six months of completing the registration process.

The State Minister highlighted that there will be no cost to register for the first six months of implementation.

The Ministry of Tourism & Entertainment will manage the registry, through its Entertainment Board and in tandem with the Ministry of Local Government & Community Development.

Persons will be able to register at the Ministry of Tourism & Entertainment or any of the parish council offices islandwide.