Dear Editor,

There comes a point when political disagreement must be separated from disrespect. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange has spent decades serving Jamaica, the Government, and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). Whatever disagreements may arise within a ministry, her record of service cannot simply be pushed aside, and a woman who has given so much to national development should not be subjected to treatment that fails to recognise the office she holds and the contribution she has made.

Minister Grange is not a newcomer to public service, she is one of Jamaica’s most experienced political and cultural leaders. Her involvement in culture and entertainment stretches back long before she became a Cabinet minister. She has worked in cultural administration, entertainment management, and cultural development, and has also served in important institutions, including the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission. She later carried that experience into Parliament and Cabinet.

Her contribution to Jamaican culture is particularly significant. Jamaica possesses one of the most powerful cultural brands in the world, and Minister Grange has spent much of her professional and political life promoting, protecting, and expanding that heritage. Reggae, dancehall, Jamaica’s cultural institutions, heritage celebrations, and the creative industries have all formed part of the environment in which she has provided leadership.

Her work has also extended far beyond entertainment. As minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, she has carried responsibility for some of the areas that most strongly define Jamaica internationally.

In sport, she has been part of successive efforts to support athletes, sporting organisations, facilities, and Jamaica’s participation on the international stage. Jamaica’s athletes are among the country’s greatest ambassadors, and the minister responsible for sport carries enormous responsibility for maintaining the government framework that supports their development.

In gender affairs, her ministry has responsibility for policies and programmes affecting women, men, families, and vulnerable groups, including efforts aimed at gender equality and addressing gender-based violence.

In culture and entertainment, she has consistently advocated for Jamaica’s artistes, cultural practitioners, and creative industries and for recognition of Jamaican culture internationally.

And, in Government, she brings something that cannot be manufactured overnight — institutional knowledge and experience.

Minister Grange has served Jamaica in Parliament for decades and has held several governmental and political leadership positions. She has also given long and distinguished service to the JLP. Political parties are built not only by the people who occupy leadership positions today, but by those who remained committed through victories, defeats, difficult periods, and rebuilding. She belongs to that category; that history matters.

No minister, regardless of seniority, should be above accountability. If there are legitimate administrative disagreements within the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, they should be examined and resolved professionally.

A state minister and a Cabinet Minister have defined responsibilities within Jamaica’s system of government. Differences of opinion can occur, but they must be managed within the principles of ministerial responsibility, professional conduct, and respect for established authority.

Minister Grange should not have to prove her worth to Jamaican public life every time a disagreement arises.

Mary Alexander

alexandermary768@yahoo.com