Fraser-Pryce to Join Jamaica Diaspora Conference Creative Economy Panel

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Alando Terrelonge, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, has endorsed Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s involvement in the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference.

A statement from the ministry said the Jamaican sprint icon is scheduled to appear as a featured speaker on day three of the event. She will take part in the panel titled “Leveraging the Creative Economy to Build Stronger Cultural Industries”.

The discussion is expected to examine ways Jamaica can make better use of its culture, sport and creative output to draw investment, support business creation and build a more resilient economy.

Fraser-Pryce will be joined by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange; film producer Storm Saulter; singer-songwriter Naomi Cowan; actress Kimberley Patterson; and Joe Bogdanovich, chief executive officer of Downsound Entertainment and promoter of Reggae Sumfest.

The panel will look at practical approaches for improving Jamaica’s cultural industries, widening the overseas impact of Brand Jamaica and opening more space for creatives, athletes and entrepreneurs to earn from the country’s international profile.

“Jamaica’s culture, music, sport, film, fashion and creative talent give us a competitive advantage that few countries of our size can claim. Our responsibility is to convert that global influence into enterprise, investment and sustainable economic opportunities for our people. The diaspora has a central role to play in that effort,” Terrelonge said.

He added, “We are inviting Jamaicans overseas and international partners to invest in the opportunities within brand Jamaica and help build the industries, platforms and partnerships that can carry Jamaica’s creative economy further.”

Terrelonge said the creative economy worldwide is worth trillions of dollars each year and continues to rank among the fastest-expanding sectors. He said the Jamaican Government is still pursuing policies and programmes to develop the local creative industries ecosystem, given its role in economic diversification, job creation, youth empowerment, innovation and the safeguarding of culture.

The minister also thanked the GraceKennedy Group, described as a legacy partner of the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, for its continued backing of Jamaica’s development and its support for diaspora engagement.

“Their support in bringing Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce into this conversation adds one of Jamaica’s most influential global voices to a session focused on the future of the country’s cultural and creative economy,” he said.

The conference is intended to bring Jamaicans in the diaspora and friends of Jamaica together around collaboration, investment and innovation, while helping to shape projects linked to the country’s growth and development.