Recalling the unfortunate end dancehall deejay Dirtsman met when he was gunned down in Spanish Town in December 1993, Minister of Culture and Entertainment Olivia “Babsy” Grange urged practitioners in the creative sector to make use of the insurance policy her ministry is implementing in collaboration with Guardian Life Group.

Speaking at the launch of the Jamaica Entertainers and Creatives Insurance Plan (JECIP) at the ministry’s headquarters on Tuesday, Grange said the policy follows the need for proactive measure to help cushion the fallout from critical accidents and death.

Still telling the tale of Dirtsman’s death, Grange recalled being an artiste manager at the time championing the importance of planning ahead. She said she had drafted documents for policies for all her artistes who proceeded to sign contracts, all but Dirtsman, whose life was taken before he had the chance.

“When I was managing artistes I had a roster of about 12 artistes that we managed directly, including Shabba, Dirtsman, Jr Gong, Bounty Killer, and others. We signed up everybody for insurance and one person said they would come back and sign the document. He left me, went to Spanish Town, and was shot and killed. That was Dirtsman,” she recounted to a jam-packed audience of entertainment practitioners.

“His family did not benefit from insurance, so I urge you to do this now that you have the opportunity. Do not put it off.”

The JECIP will be similar to the Jamaica Athletes’ Insurance Plan, which provides group health, group life and group personal accident coverage.

Coverage is available to all entertainers and creatives who are listed on the National Registry of Entertainment and Creative Industries Practitioners.

Earlier this year, the ministry’s Entertainment Division completed a small random A survey of 142 members of the registry who revealed interest in such an insurance plan; however, 63 per cent indicated an inability to pay.

The minister said the plan will be “a game-changer”.

“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. 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… I don’t like to see us having to pass the hat around to bury anybody, and so it is important that you take this very, very seriously,” Grange charged.

Minister Grange was sure to recognise the contribution of creatives to Brand Jamaica.

“Many of these entertainment and cultural practitioners have served and given so much to our country. There are those in the entertainment sector, particularly the pioneers, those who have paved the way for many and on whose shoulders the industry stands and they need all the support they can get. This insurance will benefit them tremendously,” she said. “In this phase of the insurance plan, we are going to cover free of cost to you, death benefits up to $500,000 on the group life and personal accident policies. The plan covers registered persons from [age] six to 75 with the option to then extend to 99.”

“Phase two of the programme will be up and running in January. We’re launching life now, in November, and come January 2025 the group health insurance will be up and running,” she added.

In his address, Eric Hosin, group head of life, health and pensions, Guardian Life, said the group has seen first-hand the suffering and pain that death and accidents can cause as a result of lack of resources and is happy to extend their 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.”

Funding for JECIP was earmarked through the Government’s Consolidated Fund to the tune of $55 million.