Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the renowned track and field sprinter, stressed the importance of investment in athletes on 18 Jun.

What happened?

Fraser-Pryce spoke at the Jamaican Diaspora conference, highlighting the economic benefits of sports.

The conference focused on leveraging the creative economy to build a stronger cultural industry.

Why it matters for Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

As one of Jamaica's most decorated sprinters, Fraser-Pryce believes more needs to be done to ensure athletes have equity and ownership within their sport.

She emphasized that sport is an infrastructure that trickles down to health, social, and development industries.

What comes next?

Fraser-Pryce would like to see investment in athletes who transition out of sport, into business, investment, and education.

She shared that there is an avenue to explore, as most athletes have poured a lot into their sport and don't get enough support.

The Jamaican government has proposed legislation to establish the National Policy for Culture, Entertainment, and the Creative Economy.

This policy aims to empower communities, preserve heritage, and deepen respect for cultural diversity.

Fraser-Pryce's comments come as Jamaica bets big on creative economy growth, with the creative industries contributing an estimated $107 billion Jamaican dollars annually to the national economy.

On 18 Jun, Honourable Olivia Grange, the Minister for Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, shared a video message at the conference.

Grange cited the need for economic, innovation, and cultural policy for the creative economy.

The proposed legislation includes the creation of an institute for cultural practitioners and the establishment of the Jamaican Entertainment and Culture Development foundation.

These proposals aim to provide technical expertise, business acumen, and sustainable financial support for creative projects.

Fraser-Pryce's call for investment in athletes is timely, as the Jamaican government seeks to organize, measure, and monitor the contribution of the creative industries.

The Entertainment and Culture and Creative Economy Act intends to safeguard the rights and interests of creative practitioners.

As the Jamaican Diaspora conference continues, Fraser-Pryce's comments highlight the need for a collaborative effort to support athletes and the creative economy.

The conference provides a platform for discussion and exploration of opportunities for growth and development.

Fraser-Pryce's emphasis on investment in athletes is a key aspect of this discussion, as Jamaica seeks to build a stronger, more resilient cultural industry.

The outcome of the conference and the proposed legislation will be crucial in shaping the future of the creative economy and the support for athletes in Jamaica.

Fraser-Pryce's comments have sparked a necessary conversation about the role of investment in athletes and the creative economy.