Remarks by Minister Grange in recognition of the 1st anniversary of Kingston being designated UNESCO Creative City of Music

A year ago, on December 11, 2015, Kingston was designated a Creative City of Music by UNESCO. This celebration of the first anniversary of the designation is close to my heart because I have had two great loves in my life, MUSIC and Politics. Brand Kingston has given the world SIX genres of music – Mento, Ska, Rocksteady, Dub, Reggae and Dancehall – and with that we have also given to the world our unique dance moves that I know you all enjoyed as our dancers just took us through the ages and rekindled our love for this powerful art form.

It is no joke when you hear Jamaicans say “a music run Jamaica” because whenever the sound system set up, we have our economic activity taking place (I know you smell the Jerk Chicken and pork and the soup and corn at the back), we have the peanut vendor and the jelly man come out…we have the “bashment” girls coming out in unique Jamaican fashions and don’t forget the hairstyles… the men too have to be well “bush out” in Clarkes and mesh merinos…the dancers come out to “buss” the newest dance moves that will take over YouTube globally – in Europe, Asia and Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

I know you see all those elements here this evening, which gives credence to the saying that “music is staff of life” and it is because of the music why films such as ‘Harder They Come’ and ‘Dancehall Queen’ became successful, why our literature has begun to take root, why the food we create tastes that much sweeter.

So tonight we not only celebrate the designation of being the only City of Music in the Caribbean but also being one of only nineteen music cities in the world and part of a network of one hundred fifteen cities globally that are designated creative in their focus. Under the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport we will continue to develop policies that allow for venues to be developed around the city, and work through the Night Noise law to make it more balanced. I am a firm believer that music, culture and the arts are the means by which our society will achieve economic growth.

This designation means we have a lot to do; and that is why we have partnered with the KSAC, the Urban Development Corporation, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, Jamaica Business Development Corporation, Tourism Enhancement Fund, private sector, and our community groups to ensure we build creative clusters to enhance areas like Downtown Kingston that have been the centre of the music. And we must also protect the music spaces that are now largely abandoned or home to coffin makers – because it is only through preservation that our children will be able to remember and celebrate the achievements of our great musicians.

I have seen the artistes backstage, believe me Kingston, you are in for a musical treat! Enjoy the evening, because this is one of the major events that will kick off our mission to keep live music alive in this great city. Without a doubt, Jamaica will continue to be the place to live, work, do business, raise families and enjoy live music. God Bless You All!

Commentary

For Kingston to be designated a creative music city in the Caribbean and among 19 across the world … Is fantastic to say the least.

With music hitting you you will feel no pain.

Night Noise

Police should use their discretion as it relates to night noise. The 2 AM deadline for approved night events is not acceptable. If the venue is not a built up residential area … there should be flexibility and the venue should be factor.

Let us cut some slack to our musicians. Encougement sweetens labour and enhances the quality of the musical product …our great musical heritage.

Commentary by Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie, Senior international correspondent & Photojournalist for vision newspaper Canada.