MONTEGO BAY, St James – Veteran Jamaican comedian and actor Oliver Samuels was in no joking mood as he called on the Government to address the issue of the lack of theatres across the island.

“The lack of theatre space all over the country is a disgrace. It is a national disgrace that the performing artistes, especially the actors, cannot get anywhere proper to perform,” Samuels charged.

“Government’s intervention is needed because of the importance of the performing arts. And I’m talking about theatre, but Government tun dem back pon theatre,” he added.

He was speaking to reporters following his performance in the latest Patrick Brown comedy, Guilty with Explanation, at Montego Bay Convention Centre, Sunday evening.

“All this big convention centre should have a real theatre in it. It is massive but it [is] hard to work in. We are a disgraceful nation when it comes to the preservation of our culture and avenues to express our culture,” Samuels said.

Similar sentiments were expressed recently by Actor Boy award winner Lloyd B Smith, who lamented the lack of a major performing arts facility in the city of Montego Bay.

“There is no city in the world that does not have at least one theatre. We do not have any major performing arts facility in Montego Bay,” he said.

Guilty with Explanation was hosted at Montego Bay Convention centre by Jamaica Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors to raise funds for Falmouth Public General Hospital in Trelawny.

Triola Harper Smith, president of the Jamaica Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, was elated over the overwhelming support of patronage received.

“A lot of persons didn’t think it would happen, but I am happy for the support the network was able to get… Some persons came to support the hospital and some persons came just for their love of Oliver,” she shared.

Meanwhile, Samuels, who has over five decades of acting under his belt, said while this theatre void exists, he still has love for his craft and all Jamaicans.

“I have gone 52 years in theatre and it has been a wonderful journey. It has always been my pleasure to be serving my people and I hope to continue as long as [possible],” Samuels stated.