The much anticipated celebrations for Jamaica's 50th anniversary of independence will be dramatically downsized, according to Jamaican Minister of Youth and Culture, Lisa Hanna. The Minister confirmed that the budget has been drastically reduced from over J$3 billion, set by the previous JLP government, to only J$690 million.
The reduction, explained Minister Hanna, was necessary to adjust for funding gaps not accounted for in the old budget. Minister Hanna said that 43 listed events had no accompanying budgets. Most of these events were planned by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC). The JCDC had submitted a budget of J$690 million to the previous government, of which only J$50 million had been approved. Reports also show that no budgets were allotted for the marketing of the Jamaica 50 events.
In response, Minister Hanna stated that her ministry spent the past eight weeks planning a new program, approved by the Jamaican Cabinet, and a new budget, approved by the Ministry of Finance, which includes crucial merchandising licenses. She said Jamaica 50 trademarks have been registered overseas, and that she and her staff have met with private sector representatives to create a marketing plan.
Reevaluating plans for the 50th independence celebrations have been a focal point for the new government. Shortly after assuming her ministerial portfolio last February, Minister Hanna announced the secretariat responsible for the anniversary would be restructured and reevaluated by the Jamaican cabinet. An audit into the Jamaica 50 celebrations was also launched by Audit General's Department (AGD).
The minister did not state when the audit of the Jamaica 50 finances would be completed, but stated the auditor general said the audit would be expedited as quickly as possible, and, when finalized, will be submitted to the Jamaican parliament.
Realistic expectations
Jamaicans responding to the drastic cut were realistic about the downsizing
"The country has much more serious needs than planning a big party with no funds," said one Kingston costume designer who has designed costumes for past independence celebrations.
One teacher of a rural high school busily rehearsing for the anniversary celebrations suggested that "it's the Jamaican private sector who should be financing the celebrations, not the government, which has other national priorities."
The minister also revealed that the Jamaica 50 celebrations will begin in mid-April, with the main celebratory period from August 1 to 6. The new program, under the theme "Jamaica 50: A Nation on a Mission" will be "new and it is exciting," said Minister Hanna, celebrating Jamaica's achievements over the past 50 years.
