KINGSTON, Jamaica – Playwright, artistic director, actress, broadcaster, communications practitioner and marketing specialist, Dahlia Harris has been appointed as Principal Director of Culture in the Ministry of Youth and Culture, effective November 15.

This is according to a statement from the Ministry of Youth and Culture on Saturday, which also said Harris replaced Sydney Bartley, who was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry earlier this year.

Harris is a graduate of the University of the West Indies, where she pursued a double major in mass communications and literature. She is currently completing a Masters degree at the UWI, focusing on Louise Bennett Coverley and her contribution to the social constructionism of post-Independence Jamaica.

She is a member of the Board of the Creative Production and Training Centre, and the Entertainment Advisory Board of the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment where she serves as chairman of the Performing Arts Committee. She is the recipient of several awards for her work in the areas of entertainment and culture, the ministry said.

“As Principal Director of Culture, Harris will provide leadership for the operations of the Culture and Creative Industries Division of the Ministry, which is responsible for culture-related research, the development of cultural policy, cultural industries policy and its implementation, and for the management and development of activities within the Jamaican arts, heritage and cultural industries sector,” the Culture Ministry said.

She will also manage, support and promote local and international programmes to enhance Jamaica’s culture and heritage at home and abroad to the country’s economic advantage, while positioning Jamaica’s cultural products and services in the global market place and promoting Brand Jamaica,” the statement continued.

Harris will also oversee the planning and management of special projects and events related to the commemoration of anniversaries on the national cultural calendar such as: National Heroes’ Day, Reggae Month,  Emancipation and Independence celebrations.