For several decades It has been challenging times for Jamaicans but in recent times the people of the beautiful island have been grappling with an anemic economy, further devaluation of their currency, high levels of crime and violence, corruption amongst many other factors.
Despite it all the Entertainment Industry has been able to provide a therapeutic relief for a nation under stress but also a means of finding a source of income to survive. The Jamaican culture that drives the entertainment industry is one of, if not the most valuable asset the country possesses but it has lacked effective government intervention to develop and further strengthen the industry on all levels.
With recent announcements of new measures to be undertaken by the Jamaican Government and it’s security forces. Entertainment Professionals have decided to weigh in on the current stance and likely path the government is on as it relates to the entertainment industry.
As it relates to the further restrictions of street dances/events. Delomar of RDX states
“There so much things that plaguing our society like, lack of education, unemployment, murders ect. However they shift their focus off that to focus on something that is an important asset to our culture…its obvious that growth of our country is not a important factor else they wouldn’t be focusing on Dancehall weh a feed the country…Before them stop dancehall learn why it is so highly respected and be apart of the solution and not the problem …”
Konshens weighs in by stating
“Here comes the complete death of Jamaica’s Dancehall Culture!!” In all my travels Jamaica is the only country I’ve been to that i see trying to get rid of all its treasures!! Lets see if Jamaicans will fall for this one like we seem to fall and lay down for everything else”.
I-Octane also spoke his peace stating
“Anything that does not support the poor i won’t support. Meaning, when yuh lock off the events at 2 o’clock the vendors nuh mek no money, promoter thing get flop suh dem tell artiste dem cah pay wi cause dem nuh mek nuh money. All that affects income which mean people won’t be able to provide fi dem family di right way which is a frustrating thing and that lead to high crime rate which is more work fi government. Dem need to come to some agree on this noise abatement act but, in the mean time people just come out to the events early mek wi hole a early vibe till da issue ya sort out”
And Entertainment Publicist Shuzzr, states
“while the newly announced proposed entertainment rating system and registry was a good call it might just be another means for the government to collect additional income/tax and may just further stifle the industry”. He further states that “most, if not all the time consultation is done it only includes the big wigs such promoters of Caribbean Fashion Week, Jazz & Blue, Reggae Sumfest amongst others which doesn’t truly represents the industry… Artistes, Promoters, DJS, Bar & wholesale operators, event / street promoters, the pan chicken man and others should also be included in such discussions as they are ones who on a daily basis drive this industry so we can have a culture that’s recognized globally. This government has been in power for over a year and this simple effort amongst others is ridiculous. We as a people expected much more from past and present government and while this administration touts its youthful additions they have seemingly become toothless bulldogs falling in line with its seniors.”
