Call for updates on cultural spending

THE EDITOR, Madam:

We extend our best wishes to the minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport as she returns to work. During the minister’s absence, several important matters have come to the fore that now require timely updates. There are four key issues that the minister will no doubt have familiarised herself with, and we are respectfully requesting that these updates be shared with the Jamaican public.

We urge the Government to provide a comprehensive update on the restoration plans for Vale Royal, which was shuttered in March. An audit of the property’s contents had also been publicly requested.

Seven months later, even the hoarding intended to protect and conceal the building is in disrepair. Beyond the shameful neglect of the property, there are serious questions about the custody of its contents. To ensure full transparency, it is crucial that a detailed audit is conducted, matched against inventory records, and published for public accountability.

We are also seeking clarity on the status of the Cultural Policy and draft legislation, and whether it will be presented to the sector for consultation within this calendar or fiscal year. The last verifiable public update was in May 2019, following earlier news in 2017 that the revised National Cultural Policy was nearing completion. Multilateral partners last referenced the upcoming act in February 2022, and since then, those involved in the drafting process have been eager for updates.

Earlier this year, a request was made for an update on the economic impact assessment intended to drive investment and development in the culture and creative industries. The PNP believes that Jamaica has significant economic potential in this sector, but that government commitment to its development has been insufficient. An update on the methodology for measuring the culture and creative industries, including the creation of a satellite account, is now long overdue.

The fourth issue of concern is the total expenditure for this year’s Grand Gala and Festival celebrations. Each year, questions arise about transparency, inclusion, efficiency, and the overall costs and benefits of hosting these large national events. It’s crucial that, going forward, a detailed breakdown of the costs and benefits is published for public review. This is especially important, given the recent strain on the nation’s resources in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, where families are still grappling with recovery efforts.

This will help prevent any perceptions of corruption, nepotism, cronyism, or conflicts of interest, and ensure that the ministry and its agencies are seen as facilitators of the sector rather than competitors.

We eagerly anticipate these updates from the minister in the shortest possible time, given the significance of these matters to Jamaica’s social and economic development.

DEBORAH HICKLING GORDON

Shadow Spokesperson on

Culture and Creative Industries