PS Lauds JCDC for Unearthing Creative Talents

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Entertainment and Culture, Jennifer Griffith has lauded the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), for its continued efforts in “unearthing and promoting Jamaica’s best creative talents.”
The Ministry, she noted, “recognizes the importance of the JCDC as the sole agency that offers a wide cross section of ordinary Jamaicans the chance to use their talents to shine on the world stage.”
Miss Griffith was speaking at the launching of Jamaica Festival 2007 on June 14 by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), at the National Indoor Sports Centre, under the theme: ‘Taking It To Another Level’. Highlighting the positives of the events, she pointed out that the entertainment in Jamaica Festival each year was family-oriented and could be enjoyed by persons from all walks of life, with most of the events being free of charge or very low cost.
As it relates to the work of local talents, the Permanent Secretary affirmed that the Government was not only committed to the promotion of Jamaica’s artistic talents, but also in the protection of intellectual property rights.
“We recently launched a campaign against intellectual property infringement and we implore local talent to seek the necessary counsel to ensure that their works are not pirated,” she said.
To further promote and enhance the development of local talent and culture, she informed that the Ministry was engaged in discussions to establish a Cultural Industries Council.
“Such a facility,” she asserted, “will play a catalytic role in linking key public sector interests with members of the creative industries,” to better serve the cultural sector.
Miss Griffith appealed to local talents “to take advantage of initiatives put on by the government through the JCDC and strive for professionalism, best practices and true respect for brand Jamaica as you hone your craft.”