Best wishes on your 21st anniversary

LET ME express sincere gratitude to the Jamaica Association of Composers, Authors and Publishers (JACAP) for inviting me to offer this message for placement in the special supplement to mark your 21st anniversary. After over two decades of supporting the entertainment industry and the people of Jamaica, you can be proud of your unswerving record of service to building a first-class regulatory system for Jamaica’s creative industry.

Since its inception, JACAP has continued to provide the critical guidance and innovative insight that has seen to the complete revolution of the industry in Jamaica, all while maintaining the high standard and reputation that has come to define

Brand Jamaica; and looking out for the financial benefit of all your members. I want to offer my own words of commendation to the many who, through their efforts, have made this brand what it is today. There is no doubt that your dedication and innovation have improved the profitability and viability of the industry.

Against this backdrop, it is indisputable that JACAP remains an essential partner in Jamaica’s thrust to achieve social and economic growth on every front. You continue to do this by promoting good standards in your professional practice. By doing so, you have helped to ensure optimum returns for Jamaican creations which now places the industry as a significant contributor to the country’s gross domestic product.

As a former minister of finance, I cannot emphasise enough the importance of ensuring that your members continue to earn from the output of their talent. With the emergence of the new economy, the creative industry is poised to contribute significantly to the country’s economic development and social well-being. This can only be achieved if our composers, authors and publishers are fairly compensated for the use of their work. Jamaica is indeed privileged to have such an active association which continuously engages the public in this interchange about benefits of the sector and encourages the practice of fair and legal usage of members’ creative work.

This year as you celebrate another milestone, under the theme ‘JACAP: Progressive Pioneers - 21 Years and Counting’, be guided by the national thrust to create a stabler society through the creation of opportunities that will lead to a Jamaica that works for all

On behalf of the parliamentary Opposition, I extend best wishes to you for every success in all your planned activities to celebrate this important milestone.

DR PETER D. PHILLIPS

Leader of the Opposition