Lisa Hanna advocates for significant investment in Jamaica’s creative industry, estimating that US$60 million could lead to world-class facilities. However, there are pressing social issues such as healthcare and education that need addressing first. The complexity of partnerships between sectors and careful planning based on socio-economic realities are essential before pursuing such ambitious projects.
In her recent column, Lisa Hanna discusses the untapped potential of Jamaica’s creative industry and advocates for significant investment to cultivate world-class facilities that could bolster the film, music, and arts sectors. She estimates that an investment of US$60 million could generate substantial economic benefits and employment opportunities, underscoring Jamaica’s status as a global powerhouse in creativity. While appreciating her visionary thoughts, an analysis of current socio-economic challenges suggests caution in pursuing such bold proposals without addressing basic public needs first.
Despite the allure of Hanna’s vision, there are pressing social priorities that necessitate attention. With about 80 percent of the Jamaican population lacking health insurance and facing dire healthcare conditions, it raises legitimate concerns about the feasibility of funding a major investment in creative infrastructure. Furthermore, social issues such as a failing education system and increasing youth crime call for critical assessments of resource allocation before venturing into extravagant projects.
Hanna has frequently called on both government and private sectors for collaborative initiatives to uplift the creative industry; however, achieving such partnerships is complex due to differing objectives. The challenge lies not only in attracting foreign investors, who often approach proposals with caution and rigor, but also in harmonizing the goals of local stakeholders.
Effective planning must not hinge solely on statistics, as contextual relevance and prioritization are paramount. Investors will be discerning, requiring thorough evaluations of a project’s viability and potential risks before committing substantial resources. Thus, while ambitious ideas for Jamaica’s future are crucial, practical and realistic solutions should remain the focus, ensuring that investments in infrastructure do not lead to underutilized facilities or neglected community needs.
In conclusion, while Lisa Hanna’s aspirations for Jamaica’s creative industry are ambitious and carry the potential for economic growth, practical considerations regarding the country’s pressing social issues warrant a cautious approach. The prioritization of basic public services is essential before embarking on extensive investments in creative facilities. Effective collaboration between sectors and a detailed assessment of socio-economic contexts must guide any future proposals to ensure that they are not only visionary but also feasible and sustainable.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
