JACAP offers support to members
THE JAMAICA Association of Composers, Authors and Publishers (JACAP) is now offering its members support during the COVID-19 pandemic in the form of shopping vouchers redeemable at select major supermarket chains and pharmacies across Jamaica.
The decision to provide the shopping vouchers to JACAP members, at this time, is the organisation’s response in a bid to alleviate some of the hardships being faced by some members in the procurement of basic items. According to JACAP general manager, Lydia Rose, “Many of our entertainers and industry personnel had their potential earnings slashed or completely zeroed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. For us at JACAP, this is just our little way of giving back to our members, saying thanks for the support over the years.”
JACAP members will have to indicate their preference of supermarket or pharmacy to the office by email or telephone. Vouchers will be available to pick up from these vendors, as well as efforts are being made to organise distribution at other points across the island.
“In recognition of the fact that we have members who are seniors, with some of them being shut-ins, the JACAP board has also organised a schedule of ‘touching base’ and check-in phone calls, as a way of keeping in touch with these members and offering any support we can.”
JACAP is a non-profit membership organisation which collects licence fees from copyright music users, and distributes the money as royalties to the music creators. A JACAP licence is a legal requirement that allows the legitimate use of local and international music in Jamaica, while respecting the right of songwriters and composers to be paid fairly.