Strengthening Jamaica’s Sport Industry

Last time we spoke I had some ideas of who I believe can deliver on what is required to secure and enhance the work of Jamaica’s Sports Industry. 

Before I offer those suggestions, I have to talk about Reggae Month and last Saturday (February 25) and how a series of sports and entertainment events created economic activities for industry professionals; while providing fun and excitement for patrons from home and abroad. 

The music scene was energized with the events of Reggae Month which are on until Tuesday, February 28. But what happened this past weekend with: 

• Gibson MCCook Relays 
• Jamaica Premier League (Football) 
• Footloose 
• Bass Odyssey Sound Fest 
• It’s the 90s 
• Soca Jam 
• Lost in Time Festival 
• Horse Racing at Caymanas Park 

… there was more than enough entertainment to go around for the discerning public. 

Just about three years ago, this month (February), news confirmed that the Covid-19 pandemic was about to disrupt lives outside. Since then events have come back with a bang. 

A team is assembling some data on the weekend and as soon as those are available they will be released. 

SPORT IN JAMAICA 2023 & beyond 

I offered an idea of who I believe can make this Business of Sport work with the following structure: 

The Government of the day should be able to make the best persons available for the roles of Minister and Minister of State. I have my own ideas on which members of the current team can, but I would not want to offend a soul. 

• Ministry of Sport
  • Minister 
  • Minister of State 
  • Permanent Secretary 
  • Sport Director
    • Research Officer 
    • Operations Officer 
    • Policy Officer 
    • Associations Liaison 

Sport Agency (Sport Development Foundation)

• CEO
  • Directors of
    • Marketing, Research, Finance 
  • Corporate Planner (to deal with bilaterals, administration, academic development, infrastructure
  • Legal 
  • Event Manager (incoming and outgoing delegations, permits, venue updates) 
  • Venues and Facilities

Approach 

• Think Tank this May (2023) to look at 2024 – 2030
  • Align with the Vision 2030 
• Prepare a master calendar up to 2030
  • Incoming events 
  • Outgoing events 
  • Update and upgrade venues with capacity and capabilities 
  • Assessment of which sporting disciplines are:
    • Mass
    • Economic drivers 
    • Network possibilities 
    • International Competitions 
    • Tourism-attractive 
    • Recreation 

There are some planned renovations of sporting facilities across the island and with that, the capacity to provide preparation spaces for sports people and hosting of a variety events should be the target based on the research conducted above. 

The recent announcement to have a soft launch for a National Sport Registry in April 2023, is timely and should be used as the repository (database) to speak to who we are preparing for the future. The registry by summary will and should collect data that can be useful to know how we define our athletes based on: 

• The preparation plan for athletes in phases 
• What are the nutritional and medical needs 
• Geographical peculiarities of the athletes 

I am recommending we designate “active communities” to include schools and clubs to be able to track and monitor the athletes to be covered under the registry for three to five years. Run the reports and evaluate the information. For the athletes that we have information now, use them as a sample to implement brand strengthening. 

We are just below 500 days to #Paris2024 (July 26 – August 11, 2024) – we should enter these Summer Games as a more formidable sporting brand with the leadership of track and field, which has lead for over six decades. 

Let’s Stay in the Game.

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Separating the Art from the Artiste

Reggae music continues to evolve. And with that evolution comes the attraction to a more diverse listenership. Research has shown that many of Jamaica’s more established artistes have an audience whose average age is 30 years and above. 

Does lyrical content influence their audience? Do the performers’ real-life circumstances have any bearing on the quality or value of their music? 

Consider your most favoured songs from your favourite artistes and ask yourself: would you want to meet the person behind your favourite music? If that answer is yes, does it matter what the artiste has done in their past, or is doing at the moment?

As music is a part of our everyday life, it is impossible to escape the artistry of popular singers, especially when they find themselves in personal-life turmoil (fans typically Google their favourite singer when news breaks about their misdeeds.  These searches typically take fans  to an artist’s catalogue on streaming services thus boosting their streams).  

The music we rely on from our favourite artistes to help to soothe moments of grief, commemorate moments of joy, paradoxically comes from the vocal trademark of people who themselves find themselves in circumstances of trouble.

Here are some real stories of persons whose music you love; they have developed habits that are not healthy, they have taken substances that are illegal, they have done things that are otherwise frowned upon by society, or they could be in prison.  Does that change how you feel about your favourite songs or artiste?

With song titles like, Freedom Blues, To Your Arms of Love, Love is and Unconditional Love there are indications that the song-writer/artiste has ideas of shaping the minds of those who consume, but to also reposition thoughts to the discerning fan, that circumstances can cause life adjustments, and what is in the heart, comes out in song. 

When you see a list that asks to Call on me as Only You, I am Longing For, those thoughts call for Reflections. 

Comments about artistes differ from male and female fans and in age groups.  A short survey among women over 40 shows they have more of a tendency to forgive., “Does the Crime serve the time,” is a common thought among that demographic. 

During a series of discussions held in Jamaica in 2019, scholars of music discussed the topic: Dancehall Stardom, Version 1 – Crime and Punishment. Positions such as a proposal for “a meaningful music curriculum [to] be implemented as a matter of urgency,” says Dr Sonjah Stanley Niaah.

Stanley Niaah has in the last decade spoken and published about music, but in discussing this topic, is developing material for a program dubbed “From Prison to College” – she believes in rehabilitation with and through the music.

Experience Kingston, June 23 – 26

…with Track and Field and so much more

KINGSTON, Jamaica – When the first event goes off on Thursday, June 23 for the start of the National Junior and Senior Track and Field Championships, the National Stadium will be the centerpiece of the action in Kingston that weekend. 

In what could be determined, already, as one of the most exciting Championships in recent years, track and field pundits are all salivating at the keen and fierce competitions that will be on. 

I won’t even attempt to list all the events, but certainly Kevona Davis’ 10.95 (0.9m/s) in the 100 meters at the Big 12 Championships, becoming the 19th Jamaican woman to run a sub 10 seconds in that event, makes for an interesting match up. 

The list of events in and out of Jamaica before June 23 will also feature exciting competition among sprinters, hurdles, throwers and jumpers, particularly among the women. 

National Stadium

The men, not to be outdone, have their own battles in the hurdles, jumps and throws. 

While the focus will be on the track and field, Kingston will be on show and patrons of sport and entertainment will have options of some of the best music, live and recorded, food and just the vibe of the creative city, Kingston. 

Business partners are about to close in on the packages that are available. 

The meet will be broadcast on radio, television and online to viewers globally as this weekend is “expected to be epic,” says a track and field insider. 

Experience Kingston will focus on the diverse, yet cultural offerings of the city which “has something for everyone in the Family.” 

For those out of town or off island: 

Come for the track and field, stay for the vibe. 

The Championships will feature: 

• Keen competition in events in both Junior and Senior 
• Entertainment with a live DJ and MC 
• Special food service for selected blocks of seats 
• Ability to book your seats ahead of time (early bird and regular) 
• Opportunity to win prizes and surprises 

It’s a family affair when you Experience Kingston, June 23 – 26. 

Carifta 49

Kingston – the place to be in June

Spend one week in Kingston (June 22 – 29) and experience the joy of seeing the fastest athletes in the world; a chance to feel the beat and rhythm of the city; while taking an adventure out to one of the mountains.

This is going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity. The governing body for track and field will host its National Championships, June 23 – 26. Four days of fast-paced, breathtaking, competitive and fierce battles to make the teams for global and regional meets. Tickets will go on sale soon.

Come in a day early and find a spot where you will hear the drum of bass of Jamaica’s reggae and dancehall. The City will be jamming on and off the track.

Kingston’s pull is the pace, the lights, the sound, the color and of course, the people.

Book your ticket now. Kingston, the heartbeat of the Caribbean awaits you.

LIVE YOUR CREATIVE DREAMS WITH PURPLE PALMS IN WYNWOOD

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WYNWOOD, Florida – Would you believe there is one space that can accommodate art, live and recorded music, photo and video shoots. On occasions there are times when you can sample the delectable dishes of the Caribbean and Latin America. The vibe is always right for you to just “chill”; well, this place exists right in the middle of the Wynwood Arts District.

To add to that list of things to do, the space known as Purple Palm Creative offers creative producers and fans an opportunity to indulge themselves into a vibe that will last for a long time.

Steven Chung is the man in charge of the facility, and he designed the 1,700 square foot indoor space to facilitate who he calls the “real creatives in the business of entertainment.”

Housed in the middle of one of the most popular art districts in Florida, Chung also thinks that the space will also provide a new platform for creative thought leadership and unity to incubate, showcase and share innovations with like-minded creators and friends.

Among the other experiences, one can have access to jam sessions, exhibits, listening parties, vintage vinyl sessions, and a place for artists and artisans to promote their creations.

Chung is a Telly Award Winner and 4-time Grammy Nominee who also offers video editing and podcast production services in the space.

Miami is a city that has its finger on the pulse of everything entertainment and Purple Palm Creatives is the place where one can have that amazing feeling.

Now, on the outside, there is enough space to attend a food bazaar and be able to soak up the taste and smell of the variety of delectable dishes from across the world with a focus on the Caribbean and Latin America. Of course, there is always Jamaican food and drinks.

Purple Palms could not exist without the shared vision and generous support of Lombardi Properties and Soundlux Audio.

Book your time and space for anything creative now and support the work and time of Chung and his team. You may secure this information by emailing purplepalmscreative@gmail.com

In the meantime, they are on IG and Facebook.

See you soon!

Music is the path to one’s soul

When you are from the place where there is undisputable talent in music and sport, you kinda feel on top of the world wherever you go. Well, I do. And every chance I get I make people know I am Jamaican. I am never ashamed. Even with some of the drama we get into… I use the situations in anecdotes where appropriate and I LAUGH. It is what we are, and because I would not have it any other way. I live with it; I also do the best I can to improve those around me.

Anyway, this post is really about music and what it does to keep my soul in shape.

As a child, I collected records, yes, those circular things that plays on a turntable. I still do, by the way, and I still have a turntable. Those were fun days. My allowance in those years in the 70s and 80s were largely spent on records and books, yes books, I had to read.

I collected the best from Bob, Third World , Vic Taylor, Dennis, Gregory, Marcia, Alton, Beres, Boris, Phyllis Dillion, Pam and Woody, I could go on. For the foreign acts, it was Michael (The Jacksons), Commodores (more Lionel); Earth Wind and Fire, Marvin (all-time favorite), Percy Sledge, Ben E King (the Drfiters), Stylistics, Chilites and Teddy P, to name a few. This Magic Moment

On Sundays, we had a play list of Perry Como, Jim Reeves, Skeeter Davis, Louis Lamour, Dean Martin and then we watched the Matinee. Won’t say much more here, as I am sure you get my drift.

If you are 45 and over you would have this at home

In the 75 – 79 years, I chose dance as a hobby. And we had the most amazing time at the Ewarton Primary School. Donna Summer was on top of the list with some Caribbean calypso and music for maypole. Yes man, I was right in there. Selene, Georgette, Michelle topped the list of artful movers!

As I started going to public events (live shows), I got to appreciate some more artistes and here comes the DJs – Josey Wales, Admiral Bailey, Super Cat; the singers Barrington Levy, Freddie, Dennis, Leroy and the list goes on. Marcia Griffiths was always top-notch. 

So far, after you have read this, you must be wondering, where she got time to study and all those things, well, I am here, and I don’t think I did too badly. Anyway…

Live Shows were a must now in the 90s – every drum knock I was there – yard and foreign. And then the LOVE for Jazz kicked in really good. It was no longer just Sunday music. Jazz became the “savior of my soul” – it became my go to music when I needed comfort, joy and some peace.

So, I did research on some, who have become my favorites – John Coltrane John Coltrane , Miles Davis, Chris Botti, Rod Stewart (he has a wicked selection. When you have time, listen to the Great American Songbook – Volumes I to III. I would go far to listen to jazz. I did New Orleans. I have most of what Grover Washington Jr has ever done. I even met his daughter.

Got a little into Ella and Frank too. In the mid to late 90s and early 2000s I invested some time into jazz groups – Four Play, Spyro Gyra (they came to Jazz Festival in Jamaica) I was overjoyed. Now, thanks to YouTube, you can create your own playlist of any kind of music. My Jazz list comes from Motown and the Breakfast songs. Monty Alexander gives you a fresh, clear and smooth choice, too. 

Could not end this blog without talking about the R&B, Soulful folks. Listening to Lalah Hathaway, Donny Hathaway, Randy Crawford, Anthony Hamilton & Kem gives me life. When I am in a troublesome mood, I go for Jill Scott, Angie Stone Brian McKnight.

The point is, I am not sure what I would do if I did not have music. It has really lined my soul with joy, peace and comfort.

Lots of others to mention. But, one day, I will take you down the dancehall path I trod. The excitement and drive the rhythms that dancehall takes you are like no other. Music is a thrill to the soul of man (in this case woman). I keep adding to my list.

Try listening to Daniel Caesar Best Part , he is groovy and exciting.

Until next time…

PE and Sport – redefining the game

ANTIGUA – The fact that Physical Education and Sport are now being recognized rightfully as an academic course and business respectively – this has opened discussions which are highlighting the lack of understanding of the subject areas.  

I would clearly state here:

·         There is a difference between Physical Education and Sport

·         Physical Education now has for the last 11 years, exams at the highest level from CSEC and has been offered at the CAPE level

·         Sport, through its competition has been known to impact on a society – socially, economically, psychologically, people management

·         Sport Business worldwide is valued at close to a trillion dollars

Based on some recent debates, there may be suggestions that sport is being overused in high schools; is distracting the institutions from their core work; is damaging the reputation of students.

While there are some truths, there are also arguments to support the benefits of being involved in sport at some level, either directly or even as a supporter.

My argument is, the rest of the education system needs to catch so it can efficiently and effectively manage its portfolio, which includes Physical Education. The study of Physical Education is academic, it looks closely of the study of the relationship with mind, body and soul. What about that isn’t academic?

Then Sport is the competitive, strategic and now economic viability of PE aimed at generating wealth, equality and recognition for people and country.

We treat tradition as tradition and think we should not adjust, because that is what it is…tradition. But the non-traditional PE and Sport, having become more user-friendly has used the traditional methods to overtake its competition (pun intended). That process is dynamic, some of us are still stuck in the normal mode and not realizing the potential of equality in the education system where we all can benefit.

Picture this, a school, college, university where the best of the traditional and non-traditional meets…the athletes in any of those institutions are managed by their peers in the traditional line. Where the community stadium is managed by the people there and the earnings are spent there to improve services, accessories and the lives of people. What about this don’t we get?

The Business Model has been presented over and over, but there are ways to capture this. One must first allow themselves to be open to new and innovative ways of doing business, and sport is one such way.

Research has also shown that sport can be used as ‘soft power’ for a nation such as Jamaica which continues to battle with its economic activities. I could make the same justification for music and entertainment.

Education needs to be redefined in Jamaica as part of a community where Parents, Teachers, Community Leaders forge partnerships with the students to build a nation. I challenge the Ministry of Education to create this model for growth for education. Be open to ideas that work and use people who are capable to manage. STEP in the Game!

Sport and Entertainment Agents

Sport and Entertainment are two of the biggest industries globally. There are several papers and research that will show that those two industries will grow “no matter what” even in an economic recession. There are tons of figures presented by:

·        PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC)

·        International Trade Center

·        Departments of Commerce (in top commercial centers)

 Wanted to offer that background, as with the growth of the sectors, there is room for more experts and so employment will tend to increase.

Today, I want to focus on the role of an agent. The definition of an agent for the purpose of this article is “one who helps to build careers.” The most basic of an agent’s role is to handle athlete/artiste, franchises/professional teams and event promoters where applicable.

Here are some other roles:

·        Setting of goals for the athlete/artiste after sitting down with them for a detailed discussion

·        Part of a team which negotiates endorsement deals

·        Part of a team which handles public image

·        Part of a team that recommends charities and/or foundation

·        Part of a team that looks at options for retirement

That agent therefore is required to know a few things or at least have some basic training. The training can be at undergraduate level in business, law, sport management. The agent should be able to bring something to the table.

I can translate that in a simpler way to explain that an agent should: 

·        Know other influencers in the specific industry

·        Be able to make connections to grow the status of the athlete/artiste

·        Be able to get on lists that are relevant to the development of the athlete/artiste

·        Attend events where networking is available to ensure your client is represented in the best way possible

·        Get in doors, offices, boardrooms that would be otherwise unavailable

The point is, an agent is the direct link between the earnings and how an athlete/artiste is viewed by the public. The athlete/artiste must therefore choose wisely, as essentially, the business of sport and entertainment lies in the agent’s hands. Lots of opportunities for agents and lots of places to learn the business – Get in the Game for those who want to make a go at it and for those already in it – keep relevant by always learning. There are tons of conferences and workshops to attend too numerous to mention.

Here are five professional sporting organizations you should consider for those of you interested in that industry https://www.bestcollegereviews.org/lists/five-professional-organizations-in-sports-management-to-consider-joining/

For entertainment, here are two I would recommend http://www.agents-uk.com/ or http://www.besla.org/

 “Show me the money.”  #OneLove

Self Care – Part 5 – Reading

In this encounter, I will delve into another area which helps you to feel great about yourself. So far I would have encouraged you to eat right, enjoy music, travel for leisure and sport; but this time I want you to explore reading.

There are so many quotes/sayings associated with reading; here are some to chew on:

• We read to know we are not alone 
• Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light –Vera Nazarian
• I think of life as a good book. The further you get into it, the more it begins to make sense – Harold Kushner
• Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers – Charles William Eliot

Reading has a way of taking you into a space which can help you to relax when life is throwing serious challenges at you. Reading takes you away, even temporarily, from the reality of what you confront, to a place where you want to be. Reading also gives you the opportunity to consult over and over without any judgment from anyone – it is that gift you can open over and over again.

The good thing is, you can read just about anywhere

• On the train
• On a plane
• At the coffee shop
• In your bed
• On your couch
• In class
• On the beach
• Even in a meeting

Here are some ways you can start the habit of reading

• Research the authors you find readable
• Get their books
• Find books on topics you find interesting – this makes reading easy
• Find books on topics you need to learn more on – this can be hard in the beginning, but you will get there
• Find a source to get the books – online or at a book store
• Also, determine if you prefer books or on your device/s

Reading is a worthwhile hobby, but can tack up costs very quickly, so find ways and means to get books at the most reasonable costs. Join a book club so you can find folks who may want to exchange ideas and even books. A book club is also a way to be encouraged to read more, the interactivity helps.

The impact of reading on your life should be a positive one and I encourage you to read a book at least once a quarter; that is the recommendation if you are just getting into the habit. At the moment, I read a book a month, sometimes two; but then I have been doing this for a long time.

Whatever you decide to do, read a book soon – Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body – Richard Steele.

#ReadABookToday

Self Care – Part 3 – Go somewhere you’ve never been

May 7 – The last time we spoke on Self Care, I recommended that you go somewhere you’ve never been.

So after you have figured out the food, music, TV shows, clothes and exercise routines you would become accustomed to; I have a few more suggestions.

Self Care speaks to a routine, one which requires habitual acts. In the early stages do some of the activities the same time of day and same day each week. This kind of repetition will create a rhythm so the practice becomes a routine.

By now you would have created your playlists. These playlists should be done based on a particular mood. If you are a writer like me, there is a playlist to help you relax, one to boost a new idea, one to refresh the memory among other things.

Go somewhere you’ve never been

New places have a way to set one’s soul on fire; it makes one curious and those kinds of missions allow you to see and hear things you’ve never seen before. The trip/journey to the new location allows for a perspective of value that one will never be able to get if you stay home all the time.

Here’s how some see travel

• A wise man travels to discover himself – James Russell Lowell                                                            
• All travel has its advantages. If the passenger visits better countries, he may learn to improve his own. And if fortune carries him to worse, he may learn to enjoy it. –Samuel Johnson

This other quote I found speaks to the adventure

• Please be a traveler, not a tourist. Try new things, meet new people and look beyond what’s right in front of you. These are the keys to understanding this amazing world we live in – Andrew Zimmern

So as the experts recommend, once a year, do something different. The food, music, people, locations and the language of the folks you will experience would be well worth the time spent away. I have a friend who does a blog at this link mytravelstamps.com/ – here you will find tips on travel you will want to take note of before you head off to your first/adventure. The blog clearly speaks to Ways You Can Save; Bucket List; Business Layovers and so many other things. Read it when you have some time.

Mix and match the self care activities

While you are having fun traveling, here are some fun things you can do

• Try the local spa
• Hop off to any of the local bars
• Walk in the park closest to your hotel
• Go to a local play or music show

Makes notes for a journal if you feel the need and takes loads of pictures

Life is really about enjoying the moments. You can go this alone or tag along with a few friends. Either way – E-N-J-O-Y!

In the next piece, we will talk about Sport Travel.