Contributed by Rashona Fitz-Henley

Members of the entertainment industry are applauding the move by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports to offer an insurance plan for entertainers and creatives.

It was a full and overflowing room of entertainers and creatives at the Entertainment Ministry’s headquarters on Tuesday night to hear about phase 1 of the Government’s insurance plan.

Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange, much to the delight of those in attendance, explained that in partnership with insurance providers Guardian Life, life insurance would be provided for entertainers and creatives at no cost to them. She says the funds would come from the Consolidated Fund.

However, those over the age of 75 years presently would not qualify under the plan.

All that is essentially required is for entertainers and creatives to sign up to the E Registry to be able to benefit under the plan.

But just what information is required by the E – Registry ?

Principal Director of Entertainment Policy Development and Monitoring in the Ministry, Dr. Gillian Wilkinson  – McDaniel told IRIE FM the entertainers and creatives have to be a part of an industry association, among other things.

IRIE FM got some quick reactions from Delano of Renaissance, LACADCO’s Dr. L’antoinette Stines and percussionist, Bongo Herman who despite being over the age of 75, so unable to qualify for the plan, expressed happiness.

Phase 2 of the insurance plan which covers health insurance will be launched in January 2025.