In a bid to bolster Jamaica’s vibrant entertainment industry, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, has issued a clarion call to action for industry practitioners, including filmmakers, Reggae and Dancehall artists, to fully embrace the National Registry of Entertainment and Creative Industry Practitioners.
During Tuesday’s (February 27) Visa and Immigration Symposium at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), held in honour of Reggae Month, Minister Grange emphasized the pivotal role of the registry in legitimizing the work and authenticity of practitioners. She underscored that registration on the e-registry is not only encouraged but mandatory for industry members seeking to avail themselves of its numerous benefits.
“The registry serves as a vital mechanism to authenticate the contributions of our talented practitioners,” Minister Grange remarked. “We urge all entertainers to register, as there are a myriad of benefits awaiting them.”
Among the benefits highlighted by Minister Grange is the facilitation of duty-free access on equipment for music and film producers, a boon for industry players seeking to enhance their craft. Additionally, registered practitioners stand to benefit from expedited visa facilitation for both artists and crew members, a process streamlined through attestation from the Ministry.
Furthermore, Minister Grange underscored the accessibility of support from the National Screen Development Fund, which allocates a substantial $1 billion to support filmmakers.
Addressing long-standing concerns of entertainment practitioners regarding international travel and market expansion, Minister Grange reassured attendees that their grievances were being heard and acted upon. The Symposium served as a platform to engage with various Embassies and High Commissions, enabling practitioners to gain valuable insights into visa and work permit processes.
Dean-Roy Bernard, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, emphasized the significance of the Symposium in empowering entertainment sector stakeholders to navigate the complexities of international engagements seamlessly.
“Our objectives are clear—to equip you with the necessary tools to navigate visa and work permit procedures, enabling you to ply your trade legitimately on the global stage,” Bernard affirmed.
Throughout the month-long Symposium, representatives from key government ministries and diplomatic missions, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and Labour and Social Security, as well as embassies and high commissions from the United States, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Britain, and Canada, provided valuable insights and guidance on visa and work permit applications. Attendees were afforded the opportunity to engage directly with experts, pose questions, and address concerns, fostering a collaborative environment geared toward advancing the interests of Jamaica’s dynamic entertainment industry.
As Minister Grange aptly put it, “The registry is not just a database; it’s a gateway to unlocking endless opportunities for our talented artists and practitioners. Let us seize this moment to harness our collective potential and propel Jamaica’s entertainment industry to greater heights.”
