Minister Grange Urges Sponsorship for Festival 2009

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange, is calling on corporate Jamaica to contribute towards this year’s Emancipation/Independence celebrations.
Speaking at the launch of Festival 2009 on Wednesday (July 8) at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Minister Grange urged those businesses that have not yet contributed to get in touch with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) to make their donation.
“We are still open for sponsorship. We have challenges here because in these times, when resources are limited, we still have to stage a great Festival, a great Grand Gala, a great Street Parade, but of course, the resources are not as great,” she said.
Minister Grange thanked those, who have already made contributions, in ensuring the success of the celebrations.
Chairman of the JCDC, Hugh Nash, in his remarks, praised the media for the work that they have been doing in promoting Festival activities over the years. “Without the media in Jamaica, the Festival movement would not have grown to the level it is today,” he said.
Mr. Nash also expressed gratitude for the support from corporate sponsors, noting that the group has been “growing remarkably.”
“We still are inviting and hoping that others will join,” he added.
Festival is a week of national celebration from July 31 through to Emancipation Day, August 1 to Independence Day, August 6.
A number of events will take place this year, including the Independence Grand Gala and Street Parade, the Business Place Shop Window Display Competition; Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition; Gospel and Festival Song competitions; and the National Forum on Emancipation/Independence.
The Tourism Enhancement Fund; Culture, Health, Arts, Science and Education (CHASE) Fund; Urban Development Corporation (UDC); Digicel; Excelsior; Grace Tropical Rhythms; Capital and Credit Financial Group; Sports Development Foundation; and Tru-Juice are among the main sponsors so far.