Addressing Jamaica’s Creative Potential: A Call for Pragmatism

This article discusses Lisa Hanna’s call for a US$60 million investment in Jamaica’s creative industry, emphasizing the need for practical solutions that address existing social issues before pursuing large infrastructure projects. It critiques the challenges of securing stakeholder collaboration and the importance of prioritizing basic needs.

In a recent column, Lisa Hanna highlighted the potential of Jamaica’s creative industry and proposed a significant investment of US$60 million to build world-class facilities for film, music, and arts. While acknowledging the untapped potential, the author critiques Hanna’s perspective, emphasizing practical considerations regarding the country’s limited resources and pressing social issues such as healthcare and education. Many creators have succeeded against the odds, yet the reality is that substantial infrastructure investment requires addressing basic needs first.

The author points out that challenges such as cost and maintenance hinder the development of creative facilities in the Caribbean. Despite calls for bold government and private sector collaboration, the complexities involved in aligning diverse objectives and interests present significant hurdles. Attracting foreign investors to commit to large-scale projects will also necessitate a thorough assessment of risks and expected returns.

While suggestions to improve Jamaica’s living and working conditions are valuable, solutions must remain realistic and focused on sustainable practices. The danger of constructing infrastructure that becomes idle underscores the necessity of evaluating costs comprehensively. Ultimately, while the vision for Jamaica’s creative industry is inspiring, it must be tempered with a pragmatic approach that considers existing challenges and prioritizes foundational improvements in society.

In summary, while the potential of Jamaica’s creative industry is undeniable, the calls for large-scale investment must be grounded in the current socio-economic realities of the country. Addressing basic needs such as healthcare and education should take precedence over significant infrastructure projects. A more practical approach that considers the different agendas of stakeholders is essential for any collaborative investment in the creative sector to succeed.

Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com