Grange pushes back at Grub Cooper

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports Olivia 'Babsy' Grange has reacted to call from a veteran musician for the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) to be relieved of its role in the planning and execution of the Festival Song Competition due to "so much interference."

Veteran musician Astley 'Grub' Cooper made the call during a discussion on Radio Jamaica's Beyond The Headlines. However, Grange said the statement warrants an apology.

"I totally reject that comment and I am offended by it. Grub Cooper, of all people, should not say that and I have many reasons. I think he should apologise and withdraw that statement," Grange said.

She continued, "There is no political interference and he knows better than that. I think he is a little disappointed why he is saying that, but he more than anyone else knows I am a practitioner. I think the industry recognises the way I work, the JCDC understands the way I work. I do not interfere; I provide guidelines and policy directives and I am disappointed he would say it and I understand."

In relation to the suggestion that the competition should be privatised, while still receiving support from the JCDC, Grange expressed that nothing prevents any private organisation or individual to establish a competition.

"Anybody is free to have a festival song competition, where songs and songwriters compete. The JCDC does not need to privatise a competition that it feels it has a responsibility to promote because the mandate [of the organisation] is to unearth, groom and showcase talent and promote Jamaican culture to the world. We will always ensure that we fulfill that mandate. Yes, I am disappointed, yes, the country is disappointed but it does not mean we will not have songs that will rally this nation for Jamaica 60, it just means we will not have a competition," she said.

"It has gone through many changes, judging by polls, judging by judges on a panel and there is always controversy. In the last couple of years, I reached out to the industry and industry individuals entered the competition such as Freddie McGregor and Buju Banton. We were put on over 30 digital platforms and we made the shortlist for consideration for the Grammys. We raised the quality and the level and always had a professional team of adjudicators. I do not select the songs, the prime minister does not select the songs, JCDC does not select the songs, professionals select the songs. Fast-track to this year, another panel was put together to listen to the songs, they made their recommendation and I respect and accepted their opinion."