Sectoral Presentation 2016/2017
Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange, CD, MP
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport
BUILDING SUSTAINABLE
PROSPERITY
Through Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport:
“FOUR THE HARD WAY”
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT, GORDON HOUSE
KINGSTON, JAMAICA
Mr. Speaker, I address this Honourable House today with a great sense of pride. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this Sectoral Debate and to outline the plans of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to express sincere appreciation to the many persons from all walks of life,who over the years have supported and believed in me. I am most grateful for all they have done and continue to do. I am thankful to friends and family members who have and continue to given me their full support.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize the hardworking and committed people of Central St. Catherine, the constituency which I have had the honour of facing the electorate five (5) times with an increased majority every-time 3 to 1. This includes my dedicated Councillors – the veteran campaigner Theresa Turner, young Keneisha Allen, whose stature and performance belies her tender
age, and Councillor Caretaker George Moodie, who is slated to take the reins very soon.
Special thanks to the Most Honourable Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, for affording me the opportunity to serve in this capacity, together with my Cabinet colleagues alongside whom I have the pleasure of working. Mr. Speaker, I must also say a big thanks to the staff of the Ministry and the Agencies under my direction, who work around the clock, as well as the Chairpersons and members of the various Boards, Commissions and Councils which fall within the purview of the
Ministry. And of course my family members. My Mother who is not in the best of health at this time, but convalescing like the champion she is. And my dear daughter Paula Surtees and her husband Jonathan. Also want to make special mention of my three grand-children Atavia, Ana and Mitoya who recently completed her studies in Communication and Cosmetology.
Mr. Speaker, I also want to welcome members of the Diplomatic Corp who are here this afternoon, as well as several friends, colleagues, and well wishers. Welcome.