KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesperson on Culture, Lisa Hanna says the actions of Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, are affecting Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ credibilitity on fiscal responsibility.

She bemoaned the planned expenditure for the Jamaica 55 Independence celebrations and said the planned expenditure undermined Holness’ commitment to maintaining fiscal responsibility in Jamaica.

As the prime minister responded with quizzical expressions, Hanna chastised Grange for what she said was a $380-million plan of expenditure on celebrations and the appointment of a special artistic director for the Grand Gala.

The Opposition spokesperson also took issue with the size of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) board appointed by Grange, saying her board when she was minister included only 14 members whereas Grange’s included 31.

She said “no one with any experience in management would appoint a 31-member board”.

Hanna also urged the Government and those in office to be careful of the public’s view on how officials use taxpayer’s money, while referencing a popular song by reggae artiste Protoje titled “Blood Money”, which is widely interpreted as being about corruption in Jamaica.  

The former youth and culture minister, however, stopped at saying that Jamaicans did not see the need for a Jamaica 55 celebration and Holness should start with expenditure on culture when addressing fiscal responsibility.

She was making her contribution to the sectoral debate a short while ago.

Yakum Fitz-Henley