Jamaican entertainers promised help

Jamaica’s entertainment industry has been among the most hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. But unlike many other sectors which have also suffered losses, the entertainment industry has remained closed but its workers have not received government assistance.

This has forced many Jamaican promoters to move their events to South Florida where many ex-pat Caribbean people live.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness recently said in parliament that while he understands that entertainment is a business, concerts and parties are still banned because of the virus.

“This government does not see entertainment as only fun,” Holness said. “We understand that entertainment is an industry; it is a business for many; they have invested heavily in their business.” He promised that his government plans to invest in dancehall and the entertainment industry and will start with financial aid to those that have been hit hard by the closure of the sector.