November 6, 2026
Music Business Consultant Lloyd Laing Criticizes Entertainment Minister
Written byK'Shema Francis-Pitt
“Dem nuh rate we,” says music consultant Lloyd Laing, as he questions the Ministry of Entertainment and Culture’s efforts to create opportunities for the next generation of creatives and provide adequate entertainment infrastructure in Jamaica.
During a discussion on IRIE FM’s E-Buzz with Kshema Francis and DJ Bones, Laing criticized the ministry, headed by Olivia Grange, arguing that more needs to be done to support emerging talent.
He also questioned the availability of suitable entertainment spaces, stating that a developing country should have an acoustically appropriate venue capable of accommodating 1,500 people for a reggae event.
Laing further argued that organisers seeking to stage reggae events are often forced to take them into the bush or onto plantations.
In 2017, Culture Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange formally designated Fort Rocky as Jamaica’s first official entertainment zone.
Additionally, Jamworld in Portmore, St. Catherine, is being structurally refurbished by the Ministry to serve as a permanent, non-residential zone for round-the-clock music events.
