Innovators Receive Financial Assistance

A number of innovators in the creative industries have received pre-qualification for an EXIM Bank Creative Industries loan of up to $2 million, at a special concessionary rate of 9.5 per cent.

Their work will also receive exposure at tourist stops across the island.

The group was among 114 entrants who participated in a Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) Authentic Jamaica Design Competition, which provided cash prizes of over $2 million to winners.

“We wanted designers to see the importance of using the intellectual property of registering the designs, and the easy process of registering creative work”, stated Executive Director of JIPO, Carol Simpson, while addressing the awards ceremony held on April 23 at JAMPRO, in New Kingston.

Copyright Manager at JIPO, Marissa Longsworth, said the participants have gained 15 years of protection under the Industrial Design Act of Jamaica, which is administered through JIPO.

The top prize went to Merle Wilson, which was collected by her daughter, Gean-Ann Senior.

Chief Judge, Marisa Benain said the competition was a success, and can only lead to further progress in the industry.

“The process revealed the immense talents that exist, and longed to shine from all over Jamaica. The creativity and focus put into the entries are quite commendable, and we felt a sense of encouragement and pride for the potential of such an important and lucrative business,” she told her audience.

Several of the winners told JIS News that they were motivated by the prizes, and will be taking up the offer by the EXIM Bank to further their businesses.

“Most definitely, it is not something anyone would want to pass up. I used bottle caps to create a handbag- I am very happy about it. I worked very hard at it, and I am happy for the win,” reasoned second place winner in the industrial materials category, Kellee Drummonds.

Meanwhile, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, encouraged the participants to take advantage of every opportunity for “upgrading, and capacity building”.

He further urged them to “seek out the various training opportunities offered through the Jamaica Business Development Corporation, HEART/NTA and other training institutions”.

The event was organised in collaboration with the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, and the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment, with sponsorship from several corporate entities.