J 479: 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

 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.