Grange signs Cultural MOU with Mexican State, Unveils Marley Statue
By: , September 12, 2016The Key Point:
Photo: Contributed
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, (3rd right), Minister of Education and Culture for the State of Quintana Roo, Jose Alberto Alonso Ovando (3rd left), Reggae singer Kymani Marley (centre) at unveiling of Bob Marley statue in Chetumal, Mexico. Also pictured is Jamaica's Ambassador to Mexico, Sandra Griffiths (2nd right).The Facts
- The unveiling of the statue was one of the highlights of the Mexico Reggae Festival, now in its second year. The Festival is organised by State of Quintana Roo.
The Full Story
The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange is in Mexico where she signed a cultural cooperation Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Education and Culture in the State of Quintana Roo.
According to Minister Grange, “the MOU commits the cities of Kingston and Chetumal to work together more closely towards our common goal — the pursuit of the enhancement and development of the cultural and creative industries.”
Minister Grange said:
“Under the MOU, each party will pursue many significant activities, such as the promotion of artistic and cultural exchanges; the distribution and sharing of information and research; assistance to support professional development in culture and the arts and collaboration in the creation and protection of cultural content, amongst other very important activities.”
The Culture Minister said the MOU between Chetumal and Kingston was significant and strategic. Kingston was recently designated a UNESCO Creative Music City and one of the components of the designation is pursuing collaborations with other cities in creative sectors. “However we have an opportunity to forge a special relationship with Chetumal,” said Minister Grange. “Chetumal is the gateway, it is the place where Reggae enters Mexico.”
During her visit to Chetumal, Minister Grange also participated in the unveiling of a statue of Reggae icon, Bob Marley done by renowned sculptor, Ricardo Ponzanelli.
The State of Quintana Roo has responsibility for the installation and maintenance of the statue, that will be strictly for free public viewing, with no commercial gain to the state.
The unveiling of the statue was one of the highlights of the Mexico Reggae Festival, now in its second year. The Festival is organised by State of Quintana Roo.
“This Reggae Festival is a clear demonstration of the extent to which the people of Mexico have embraced Jamaican culture; and it is an opportunity for our excellent musicians to extend their reach,” said Minister Grange.