Grange optimistic after meeting with Spice, stakeholders

Minister Grange hosted stakeholders, including her colleague Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Honourable Dana Morris Dixon, as well as Spice, members of the church, and members of the entertainment sector.

Minister Morris Dixon said a take away from the discussions is “the need for more defined protocols around how we do school tours generally.”  However, Minister Morris Dixon made it clear that the values being espoused by anyone wishing to do a school tour “must be aligned with the values that the Ministry is espousing, and so for any tour [the] school administration must go through that process of ascertaining what it is about before giving permission.”

Some members of the church objected to Spice’s school tour on the basis that her lyrics and costume were not appropriate for children.  In the meeting, the artiste explained that her week-long school tour — which she cancelled after two days in light of the objections — did not involve her performing, playing her music or wearing costumes, but was a motivational speaking series which she said was “aimed at restoring societal values.”

The President of the Jamaica Council of Churches, Bishop Christine Gooden-Benguche, who was in the meeting on Friday, said the information about the purpose and what happens on the school tour was important.

“If perhaps we were aware of the kinds of things that she really wanted to share, it would have made a difference. But having listened to her, and where she’s coming from and what she has actually started to share, we recognise that she has the heart [for] the children,” said Bishop Gooden-Benguche.

Bishop Herro-verne Blair, said Spice had received his support “somewhat”.

“When I saw the video [of the school tour] I could see the same message that we’re carrying in different ways.  And I just told her, I said I love you, we’re not here to hurt you, we’re not here to destroy you.  So let’s work together.  Let’s partner for the good of Jamaica.”

However, Tarrant Baptist Church, which has been critical of the tour has not changed its position despite the new information and discussions.  According to its representative, Patience Alonge, “the values [are] what we are protecting…what you are promoting to the children.  Therefore, our position where we stand — what was shared is what we stand by.”

Andrew Norman, the representative for Errol Rattray Ministries Evangelistic Association, said Spice in schools would still be problematic, but that “she will help some people”.

The broadcaster, Clyde McKenzie, said Spice “might be the most effective kind of messenger because of her reach.  She has credibility amongst her base and therefore if she speaks to them in a certain way about certain matters, they will listen.”

Spice said she was happy for the meeting, which she said had brought the matter to “a place of solution”. 

“We have to applaud Minister Babsy Grange for stepping in and initiating a meeting… where all of us could come together and communicate and come out with a solution to see how can all of us — which is going to take all of us — work together [for] the betterment of our country,” said Spice.

The artiste said the discussions would lead to an improved school tour in the future.

“When I do it again, it’s [going to be] a bit of a force to be reckoned with because I won’t be alone.  I feel like I will have the support of other people and entities coming together so it could be even bigger and more impactful,” said Spice.

Minister Grange said she looked forward to continuous engagement involving the church, education and entertainment. 

“I’m very optimistic following these discussions at which we brought together these important stakeholders with diverse views. They were able to speak frankly and respectfully to each other, and then come to a general agreement that we should try to work together for the good of the nation. Numbers were exchanged and arrangements are being made for further discussions and communication. That makes me hopeful,” said Minister Grange.