Low budget for Reggae Month criticised

At Tuesday's signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) and Association Reggae Sun Ska (ARSS), the calendar for Reggae Month was also publicised. And former JaRIA Chairman Freddie McGregor was outspoken in his disappointment with the money that the organisation has been given to run Reggae Month.

He said, "Our music is so valued and respected over the world, why is it being treated with such scant regard in this country?" He pointed out that Reggae Month is for Jamaica as a whole, then demanded, "How can $1.2 million stage Reggae Month? The question is not if we can do Reggae Month. $1.2 million cannot do Reggae Month."

With the start of Reggae Month 2012 less than two clear months away, McGregor said, "If we don't see it (the money) in December, we in trouble".

And McGregor pointed out that "Jazz and Blues got $60 million to do jazz and blues in reggae country".

The Reggae Month 2012 calendar starts with a Dennis Brown Tribute Concert on Sunday, January 29, and closes on Wednesday, February 29 with a Dancehall and Alternative Reggae Month weekly event at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, as well as the fifth consecutive week of Weddy Weddy, celebrating Reggae Month. There are only four days in February 2012 where there is no Reggae Month event.

Later in the event, JaRIA chairman said that "what Mr McGregor is saying is that there is a disparity in support", while remaining supportive of organisations within the music business. The "disparity and imbalance in support" is even more striking as "a large part of the money will be exported paying overseas acts".

Sydney Bartley of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, noted that "Reggae Month 2012 must be something that the Government supports. 2012 is the 50th anniversary of Jamaica's Independence. It would not be a good 2012 celebration if the celebration did not live up to reggae and its prowess".