Jamaica tables green paper on national policy for culture, entertainment

The Government of Jamaica has tabled the Green Paper on the National Policy for Culture, Entertainment and the Creative Economy, marking a major step toward strengthening the country’s cultural and creative sectors.

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A Green Paper is an official government document that outlines proposed policies or ideas for discussion before they are finalized.

The document was tabled in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (October 7) by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange. It will now be the subject of discussion and public consultation before being finalized.

Minister Grange described the policy as “forward-looking,” emphasizing that it prioritizes equity, inclusivity, empowered communities, preservation of heritage, and respect for cultural diversity. “The instrument embraces and promotes innovation, as well as the leveraging of frontier technologies that power our creative economy within an ethical framework,” she said, adding that the policy also focuses on sustainability and resilience.

According to the Minister, the Green Paper was shaped through extensive consultations with cultural experts and Entertainment, Culture and Creative Industry (ECCI) practitioners, who play a critical role in Jamaica’s human and economic development.

“It encapsulates a number of benefits and protections, which will enshrine safeguards around the Jamaica Entertainers and Creatives Insurance Plan, providing both health and life insurance for our entertainers, creatives, and cultural communities,” Ms. Grange said. The policy also aims to strengthen incentives for the sector, support easier movement of cultural practitioners, and promote the sustainability of associations within the creative industries.

Currently, Jamaica’s creative economy contributes more than five per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supports nearly three per cent of national employment—placing it alongside tourism, construction, and agriculture as a key pillar of economic growth.

Minister Grange noted that the policy is designed to accelerate sustainable socio-economic development by creating an enabling environment for ECCIs. It includes strategies for capacity-building, investment, infrastructure, governance, and intellectual property rights protection.

“We are confident that this policy construct, complementary legislative action, and diligent implementation will be a critical success factor in transforming people’s lives, communities, society, and economy,” Ms. Grange said. “This represents a key part of the Government’s overall strategy for achieving Jamaica’s Vision 2030 and the global Sustainable Development Goals.”