Senate Resolution No. 479

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING Olivia Grange, CD, MP, upon the occasion
of her designation for special recognition at the
Young, Gifted, and Black Entrepreneurial Awards 20th
Anniversary Gala on February 26, 2025

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend outstanding individuals whose vision, leadership, and dedication
have contributed immensely to the advancement of culture, the arts, and
the empowerment of communities worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Olivia Grange, CD, MP, upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition at the Young, Gifted, and Black Entrepreneurial Awards 20th
Anniversary Gala on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Terrace on the
Park, Queens, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Young, Gifted, & Black (YGB) Entrepreneurial Awards
were established in 2006 by Carl Gray as a platform to spotlight and
celebrate everyday individuals who serve as positive role models,
inspiring their peers through their accomplishments, perseverance, and
contributions; and

WHEREAS, Carl Gray's vision for the YGB Entrepreneurial Awards has
remained steadfast in ensuring recognition is given to those whose
contributions, though not always highlighted in mainstream media, have a
profound and lasting influence within their fields and society; and

WHEREAS, Olivia "Babsy" Grange has been the Member Parliament for
St. Catherine Central since 1997; she was appointed Minister of
Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, with responsibility for Women
and Gender Affairs, Entertainment, Community Development and Special
Projects in 2007; she also served as Minister of State in the Office of
the Prime Minister (1985-1989), and Government Senator and Parliamentary
Secretary for Information and Culture (1983-1985); and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman has dedicated her life to the
development and promotion of Jamaica's creative and cultural industries,
advocating for policies that uplift artists, protect intellectual
property, and expand economic opportunities through the arts; and

WHEREAS, A tireless advocate for cultural development, Minister
Olivia Grange was appointed the first Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
Champion for Culture, where she championed initiatives that have
strengthened the capacity of cultural institutions, artists, and
creative industries across the region; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, a pioneer in the Reggae and Dancehall music
industries in Jamaica, Canada, and the United States, Minister Grange
has played an instrumental role in the international promotion and
preservation of Jamaica's musical legacy, contributing to the
development of copyright legislation and serving as a founding member

and Director of the Jamaica Association of Composers, Authors, and
Publishers (JACAP); and

WHEREAS, Minister Olivia Grange's longstanding commitment to the
arts extends beyond government, having co-founded Contrast, Canada's
first Black community newspaper, served as CEO of Specs Limited and
Spec-Shang Music, and led numerous cultural development programs,
further amplifying the voices and talents of Caribbean artists; and

WHEREAS, Her profound contributions to public service and cultural
advancement were recognized in 2015 when she was awarded the Order of
Distinction, in the rank of Commander (CD), for her unwavering
dedication to Jamaica's music industry, cultural development, and public
service; and

WHEREAS, As a community advocate and leader, Minister Olivia Grange
has tirelessly promoted the advancement of youth and women, working to
foster job creation, improve healthcare access, and strengthen
opportunities for marginalized communities; and

WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper that this Legislative Body pause
in its deliberations to recognize and honor Olivia Grange for her
extraordinary contributions to culture, public service, and the global
creative economy, and for serving as an inspiration to generations of
artists, policymakers, and entrepreneurs; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Olivia Grange, CD, MP, upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition at the Young, Gifted, and Black Entrepreneurial
Awards 20th Anniversary Gala; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Olivia Grange, CD, MP.