KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport has officially signed a multi-million dollar contract with Guardian Life Limited, solidifying their partnership to provide crucial insurance coverage to creatives in the entertainment sector.

Dubbed the Jamaica Entertainers and Creatives Insurance Plan (JECIP), the plan was set in stone at a launch event at the headquarters of the Ministry of Entertainment on Tuesday. The policy will be similar to the Jamaica Athlete Insurance Plan, which provides Group Health, Group Life and Group Personal Accident coverage to nearly 2,000 athletes from 35 national sports federations.

“Tonight is a game-changer for the industry. This insurance programme is a part of a package we have set that allows you to plan for the rest of your lives today. JECIP is intended to serve all members of the entertainment and cultural industries, members of the media included and it is free,” she said. “This policy will provide support to practitioners and their families in their most difficult times.”

Reflecting on the number of creative personnel, particularly musicians, who have passed away in recent times without enough funds to allow a dignified send-off, Grange said the insurance plan will ensure persons not only have the means to prepare themselves for death but that their families will be provided for following their passing.

“In 2017/2018, 19 entertainers died, 70 per cent of whom did not have adequate insurance coverage to provide funding for suitable funeral arrangements. This policy will provide support to practitioners and their families in their most difficult times so that situation will not be repeated,” she stressed. “If I were to tell you what we at the Ministry have had to provide for most practitioners who have passed some of them young too, you would see why it is important that you all take this very seriously.”

For its part, Guardian Life emphasised delight in being awarded the contract to offer coverage for those it said are largely responsible for shaping Brand Jamaica. In his address, Eric Hosin, Group Head of Life, Health and Pensions said the group has seen firsthand the suffering and pain that death and accidents can cause as a result of lack of resources, and the company is happy to extend its support.

“Entertainment is critical to our success as a nation and so Guardian Life is very happy to be a part of this innovative, creative, ground-breaking plan,” he said. “We can assure you as we have done with our long history, we will do our part in providing you with the service you deserve. We know how important it is that you take care of your families and they will be very happy to learn you have this in place to safeguard their future.”