In 2017, Minister of Entertainment and Culture Olivia “Babsy” Grange spoke at the funeral of singer Frankie Paul, urging those in the entertainment industry to be prepared for their own deaths.
Grange emphasized the importance of planning ahead and not leaving the burden on others, particularly in a business that can be seasonal. Now, Grange has announced that the government will be providing a health insurance scheme specifically for those who have made significant contributions to the development of Jamaican culture and entertainment.
This includes musicians, writers, and cultural practitioners, many of whom are reaching advanced ages and may need this kind of support. The scheme is a way of giving back to a community whose talents have promoted Jamaican culture worldwide.
The announcement was made at the media launch for the Rebel Salute festival, which is set to take place in January and features a lineup of performers, including Capleton, I-Wayne, Stonebwoy, and Kabaka Pyramid.
