“Claro gives more love, all year to me and you,” goes one line of the popular Claro advertisement which had everybody and their mother singing along last Christmas.

In a solid demonstration of that commitment, the telecommunications company and mobile giant, yesterday inked a historic partnership deal with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) to the tune of J$60 million over a three-year period.

By far the largest sponsorship commitment by any corporate entity in the 48-year history of the commission, the package was greeted by fanfare and hailed by newly-appointed JCDC executive director, Grace Silvera as “an extraordinary one that will have a far-reaching impact on our nation’s advancement”.

At the press conference, which was held in the board room of the JCDC, Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, welcomed Claro on board and lauded the company for their taking such a “bold step”. She described the partnership as “another significant milestone in the cultural heritage of our nation”.

Minister Grange was full of praise for the outstanding work of the JCDC and used the platform to emphasise the importance of private sector involvement, while inviting other corporate entities to “heed the call of patriotism and support the programmes of the JCDC”.

In his address, marketing manager of Claro, Joseph Oates, said his company “jumped at the opportunity to partner with the JCDC on this venture, which will no doubt enhance the cultural development of the country and its future leaders”.

It was announced that in addition to the monetary contribution, Claro will donate hundreds of handsets and other mobile devices as part of the sponsorship package.

Oates made the first such presentation when he surprised Minister Grange with a bejewelled Blackberry Bold 2 handset, which he said would keep her connected throughout the season.

CEO of Claro, Alejandro Guitterez, made the cheque presentation to the minister and both officially signed the agreement.

This partnership with the JCDC gives Claro with exclusive rights as the ‘Official Mobile Network for Jamaica Festival’ under the commissions’ present Calendar of Events including the Jamaica Festival Song Competition, Festival Queen Competition and the Independence Grand Gala, over the next three years spanning 2010 to 2012. — Yasmine Peru