Culture and Entertainment Minister, Olivia Grange, says the formalization of the entertainment industry is key to the sustainability of Jamaica’s culture and a crucial boost to the creative economy.

She made the statement at yesterday’s launch of the Tourism Academy, a programme designed to develop industry-ready entertainers and enhance Jamaica’s tourism sector.

Ms Grange noted that many entertainment practitioners have operated informally, which undermines the value of their skills and leaves them professionally insecure.

She stressed that this must change.

Ms. Grange added that with proper structure, practitioners will be better recognized as professionals, which will contribute to a stronger creative economy.