Grange announces consolidation of culture clubs
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange has announced the formation of the National Culture Clubs of Jamaica, which will manage culture clubs in schools and communities.
The minister’s announcement was made in message delivered by Minister of State, Alando Terrelonge at the National Culture Clubs Conference held at the Evansville Business Complex in St Ann yesterday.
According to a release from the ministry, the National Culture Club of Jamaica includes membership of clubs from the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), Jamaica National Commission for UNESCO and the Jamaica National Heritage Trust, and will be managed by the JCDC.
Grange, was quoted as saying “this transformation will strengthen Jamaica’s cradle, creating a more enabling and better structured environment for the germination and nurturing of talent.”
She noted that the decision to merge the clubs “is the result of a series of consultations and all stakeholders have agreed that the approach that we are now taking is the right one.”
The ministry said Grange also urged teachers, parents, students and community leaders to get more involved in the National Culture Clubs as she believes it will help them to develop a better appreciation for the country’s heritage and culture.
Culture clubs are established through schools and community groups and provide the medium through which the development of the arts can be sustained and a channel, through which the creative talents and skills of Jamaicans can be identified, developed and promoted, said the release.