Big money in entertainment

Big bucks are being spent in the entertainment sector. Portfolio minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange said in parliament yesterday that between 2013 and 2017, the value of entertainment to the economy was estimated to be J$107 billion.

Grange, who was making her contribution to the Sectoral Debate, said creative sectors generate revenue of between US$15 million and US$20 million annually, and account for three per cent of total employment.

"The Entertainment sector has been robust in the past year. The Jamaica Constabulary Force reported that 19,158 events were staged across the island in 2017. These events provided more than 30,000 temporary jobs," Grange said.

She told parliament that the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation collected a whopping J$28 million from promoters in the form of entertainment licences. The KSAMC issues 33 per cent of all entertainment licences in Jamaica annually.