Culture Minister Endorses Gosplash

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia 'Babsy' Grange has endorsed the Credit Unions of Jamaica Gosplash, set for the Fort Clarence Beach in Hellshire, St Catherine, on August 1.

The minister was speaking through an intermediary at the official launch of the event recently, at the Courtyard Marriott in New Kingston. The festival that has the RJR Communications Group as a sponsor will feature performances from Pastor Dietrick Haddon, DJ Nicholas, Prodigal Son, Jabez, Carey Sales, Shirley Willis and Radik.

Minister Grange was unable to attend the launch personally, but her presentation was made verbatim by Lenford Salmon, a special adviser in her ministry. In it, she lauded the organisers and urged them to continue to persevere.

"I commend you all on your efforts on hosting the CUJ Gosplash 2016, not just because it has established itself as a first-class event but also because it is a wholesome family event," the minister said. "As the minister responsible for culture and entertainment with tremendous experience in event planning, I commend you, Markland Edwards, and the entire Action Entertainment family for staying committed to producing rich and fulfilling entertainment."

The minister said that there is a growing audience for gospel music and the time may have come for more to be done to capitalise on the growing genre.

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"A quick scan of the landscape will reveal that there was the Kevin Downswell all-island roadshows which culminated just about three weeks ago, then the unveiling of a rich package of local and international acts for Fun in the Son, which hits the stage next week, and to now hear that Dietrick Haddon, international gospel sensation, will soon be joining us on Jamaican shores for the first time, and where else but on Gosplash. What a journey," she said.

It is against this background that she is encouraging promoters of gospel music to "stay the course because for those who may not have seen success, your day may not be too far away".

She also lauded corporate Jamaica for supporting gospel events.

"We need your support now more than ever, to ensure that wholesome family events are staged with greater frequency. Our people need spiritual upliftment that comes from the words of the Almighty," said the minister, who said that the parish of St Catherine is ready and waiting for CUJ Gosplash 2016.