I have consistently argued that Jamaica will be unable to surmount its persistent economic and social challenges confronting the nation unless our governors come to the realisation that this will only be possible through the exploitation of the enormous economic potential resident in the sports and entertainment sectors.

I have noted in previous articles that it is nothing short of astounding that Jamaica despite its tremendous exploits in sports and entertainment has still not positioned itself to take advantage of opportunities made possible by our athletes and cultural practitioners.

There is no doubt that emergent technologies are creating new and exciting opportunities for cultural production. Storm Saulter and other film-makers like Chris Brownie are now able to bring projects to the big screen without having to face the daunting financial prospects of having to shoot on film. The fact is that despite the obvious benefits which flow from the establishment of appropriate synergies between our music and motion picture sectors. We have not been as nimble as we should in taking advantage of them The Harder They Come was largely responsible for the introduction of Jamaican music to the North American market. I am elated that Chris Browne is now able to bring his cinematic vision to reality after many years of trying to secure the funding to make this possible.

The fact is that we have not only expanded the production possibilities through the use of digital technologies but the promotional opportunities as well. Yet despite the relief being provided by the emergent technology there is still need for financial resources to turn ideas into music and cinema. I along with such figures as Howard McIntosh and Josanne Leonard of Trinidad have long advocated the establishment of a cultural venture fund. This should be distinct from grant funds which should be provided by state funded ages for projects which might have long-term developmental objectives but which might not have any immediate commercial value. Documentaries are prime vehicles for grant funding so too is the acquisition of artefacts for our museums.

I have stressed in previous articles that the Beijing Olympics owes much of its success to the marriage of modernity and tradition. In Beijing newfangled technology was utilised in the showcasing of an ancient civilisation.

Museums are becoming more appealing through the use of digital technologies in archival exercises. It is important for us to understand the forces at play so we can make the right decisions.

We have certainly not been good at telling our own stories and have suffered as a consequence. Our failure to tell our story means that we have not been able to claim that which is rightfully ours. We have not laid claim to some of our diasporic heroes. How many persons Jamaicans include know that arguably the worlds leading cultural theorist Is a Jamaican. How many of us are familiar with the fact that it is a Jamaican Clive Campbell (Kool Herc) who was responsible for the creation of the Hip Hop movement.

The Caribbean has many personalities and stories with international resonance. We should tell the story about Jimmy Cliff , Sparrow and Eddie Grant. We need to know more about Calypso Rose, Minshall and Marley and would love that there stories be told by us.

The story of Studio One and the achievements of the legendary. Clement Dodd should be made known to the world through the use of audio-visual technology.

I have been a part of a team looking at appropriately honouring the legacy of Leonard Howell the man credited with introducing Rastafari philosophy to the world. I must commend my friend Michael Boyd for spearheading the efforts to honour Howell. It is long overdue. The achievements of this man have gone beyond our shores.

Jamaica is known throughout the world for Rasta and yet we do not appropriately recognise the founder of that movement. Clearly we are not serious.

clyde.mckenzie@gmail.comption