MINISTER of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange has announced the formation of the National Culture Clubs of Jamaica, which will manage culture clubs in schools and communities.

The minister made the announcement in a message delivered by Minister of State Alando Terrelonge, at the National Culture Clubs Conference held at the Evansville Business Complex in St Ann on Wednesday.

The National Culture Club of Jamaica includes membership of clubs from the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, Jamaica National Commission for UNESCO and the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.

According to Minister Grange, “this transformation will strengthen Jamaica’s cradle, creating a more enabling and better structured environment for the germination and nurturing of talent”.

Minister Grange said the decision to merge the clubs “is the result of a series of consultations and all stakeholders have agreed that the approach that we are now taking is the right one”.

She also urged teachers, parents, students and community leaders to get more involved in the National Culture Clubs as she believes it will help them to develop a better appreciation for the country’s heritage and culture.

Culture clubs are established through schools and community groups and provide the medium through which the development of the arts can be sustained and a channel through which the creative talents and skills of Jamaicans can be identified, developed and promoted.

The National Culture Clubs of Jamaica will be managed by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission.