KINGSTON, Jamaica–State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce Delano Seiveright, is encouraging more young people to capitalise on opportunities in the creative industries.

“Jamaica has a special niche in the creative space that we have not fully maximised,” he said, noting that entertainment, music, events and related cultural businesses represent one of the country’s most natural competitive advantages locally and internationally.

“While the country has no shortage of talent, more young people must approach their ideas as scalable businesses, using the tools available through Government and private-sector partners to turn local success into sustainable international reach,” he added.

Seiveright was speaking following a meeting with entertainment entrepreneur, Romeich Major, whose work in music management, events, and brand development has helped shape aspects of Jamaica’s modern entertainment industry.

He noted that Major’s success “illustrates how creative talent, when combined with business structure and persistence, can evolve into a platform for job creation, export earnings and international reach”.

He said that the example set by Major serves as a practical reminder that Jamaican creativity, when matched with structure, discipline, and the right support, can compete on the global stage.

“Romeich’s journey shows that this is not just about culture or popularity. It is about building real enterprises, creating employment, and exporting Jamaican creativity to the world. We need to replicate that kind of success many times over,” he added.

Highlighting the economic significance of the creative economy, Seiveright cited research by the Creative and Cultural Industries Association of Jamaica indicating that the sector contributes an estimated 5.1 per cent of national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), valued at approximately $107 billion annually.

While these figures indicate significant opportunity, he noted that many young creatives continue to struggle with business structure, access to financing, export readiness, and market linkages.

“Creative talent must be supported by stronger business planning, compliance, professionalisation, and strategic partnerships if Jamaica is to fully monetise its cultural capital,” he pointed out.

The state minister noted that his ministry has been sharpening its focus on enterprise development, export growth, and investment facilitation across key sectors, including the creative industries, as part of a wider effort to help Jamaican entrepreneurs scale beyond the local market.

-JIS