Former Jamaica Prime Minister PJ Patterson.
Related Press/Santiago Llanquin, file
The College of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica would be the beneficiary of a philanthropic gesture, a sum of $US2.3 million {dollars}. On the handover ceremony, on the campus just lately, Statesman in Residence and former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Percival James Patterson lauded the late businessman and founding father of Island Automotive Rental Ltd., Michael Campbell for his visionary step to ahead his inventive artwork collections to the college for potential and financial growth.
In hailing the late donor, for the landmark gesture, the previous prime minister stated it’s as an aspiration, “as Jamaica continues to navigate the challenges of a globalized financial system.”
Patterson acknowledged the donation as a beacon and described it as a milestone for the College of the West Indies because the college marks its 75th anniversary in 2024.
Throughout his remarks, the Statesman in Residence commented on the growing potential within the cultural and artistic sectors in Jamaica. Mr. Patterson emphasised the probabilities of the gathering to ignite a renaissance within the inventive financial system, underscoring the significance of the humanities within the nation’s future growth. “Michael Campbell’s assortment is not only an assemblage of artwork; it’s a narrative of our nation’s soul, chronicling our trials, triumphs and aspirations,” he remarked.
“The donation of the Michael Campbell artwork assortment to our prestigious College of the West Indies is not only a cultural milestone; it’s an financial beacon,” Patterson famous. He added that the donation additionally signifies a rising recognition of the inventive industries, because the bedrock of Jamaica’s future financial system.
The gathering, comprising 261 works by 67 Jamaican artists, represents a profound tapestry of the nation’s inventive journey. It covers a number of many years of arts, capturing the essence of Jamaica’s cultural and social evolution. The oldest piece, Albert Huie’s “Highway Staff” carried out in 1944, anchors the gathering. This piece symbolizes the steadfast spirit and resilience of the Jamaican folks.
The various array of artworks embodies the island’s wealthy heritage, serving as a supply of inspiration for college students, students, and guests alike. The mixing of the Campbell artwork assortment into the college ‘s curriculum guarantees to revolutionize tutorial exploration within the fields of arts and humanities. The Mona College of Enterprise and Administration, together with the Social Sciences Division and School of Humanities and Training, are poised to leverage and strategize this useful resource.
In talking to 2 past-students of the College of the West Indies, Arlene Turner, and Anthony Edwards, they see the importance of this donation as an progressive and distinctive means for the scholars, and a effectively wanted and welcoming gesture not just for the college itself, but in addition for Jamaica.
Patterson stated that in recent times, Jamaica’s financial system has witnessed a transformative shift, with the cultural and artistic industries rising as pivotal forces for financial and innovation progress. He famous additionally that inventive financial system accounts for six.1 % of world GDP. Patterson stated that in Jamaica, the inventive sector generated $US2.2 billion throughout 2022 and three % of direct and oblique employment.
In including to his feedback, PJ Patterson stated the Michael Campbell artwork assortment, with its historic depth and cultural significance serves as a springboard for this thrilling journey, symbolizing the potential of creativity and innovation to reshape the nation’s financial panorama.
