Mapping of Jamaica Cultural and Creative Industries to be done for the first time

Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Floyd Green, welcomes the Mapping of Cultural and Creative Industries in Jamaica and says the project will increase the awareness of Jamaica’s resources and give an accurate valuation of the industries.

He noted that the project is part of a much bigger mission and vision, which ties into the Ministry’s aim to inform a wider range of planning decisions, while building networks and stronger collaboration across cultural and creative groups and activities in Jamaica.

“The Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) are among the most rapidly growing sectors around the world, and Jamaica is unique and fully respected in the global cultural and creative spaces. This influences our income generation, job creation and export earnings. But, the industries have the potential to generate wealth beyond borders; wealth that does not only mean economic benefits, but wealth in inclusiveness and camaraderie of our people as well.”

Minister Green was speaking on Thursday, August 8 at the signing of the Operational Alliance Agreement for the mapping of the Cultural and Creative Industries in Jamaica, a project being implemented by the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), an agency of the Ministry in partnership with the British Council.

Minister Green stated that the country’s Cultural and Creative Industries need full support of policies, more data and stronger indicators on their role for the development of Jamaica.

“Our government, through our various agencies and ministries, has taken deliberate and strategic steps to recognize the Creative Industry and its potential to create wealth and grow the economy,” Minister Green added.

This mapping of CCIs will provide a guide for the needs of MSMEs within the industries, investment readiness of MSMEs and available investment opportunities, along with the main challenges and opportunities for businesses in the CCIs. It will provide recommendations of next steps for the JBDC on how to support the development of the CCIs.

The CCI mapping in Jamaica is the latest initiative in the Minister’s exclusive work agenda, where he committed to supporting Creatives, young business owners, and prioritizing micro, small and medium enterprises by creating, forwarding and supporting developmental projects.