Kaiel Eytle, Co-Chair of the Cultural and Creative Industry Alliance of Jamaica (CCIAJ), expressed that the creative sector can foster national development if creative talent across the island has equitable access

“Today, we introduce the 2025 Jamaica Creative and Cultural Industries Alliance survey report. The report provides a clearer sketch yet of Jamaica’s creative economy, underpinned by data provided directly by our own creative community to us as trusted intermediaries in the ecosystem,” he said.

Eytle stressed that the creative sector is a strategic economic asset, conservatively contributing $107 billion Jamaican dollars annually, and 5.1 per cent of GDP.

“And with our upper estimate being about $160 billion, that’s 7 per cent, you know, well above the global average for economic contribution. Even taking the most conservative view, it’s obvious that impact is not only substantial, but signals the sector’s potential to shape the national development agenda, provide economic growth, jobs, and beyond that, a sense of pride and identity that defines Jamaica,” he added.

However, he emphasised that the 2025 Cultural and Creative Industries Survey report also challenges all stakeholders. “Gathering baseline data is a first step. It’s a great first step, but it’s not enough. We have to confront these systemic issues that are holding us back and work together to unlock the full potential of the sector. We need to be intentional, and we need to be focused.”

Eytle also stated that the creative economy is far more than just film and music. “It spans visual arts, dance, theatre, literature, fashion, digital media, gaming, festivals, still aircraft, autographs, and on and on. Jamaicans find new ways to be creative every day.

“And that diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Our policies must reflect that by nurturing every discipline, from traditional crafts to cutting-edge digital innovation. We must also partner with the government to expand this research and build on this baseline,” he continued.

From the survey report, he emphasised that the team has identified that geography also matters.

“With 56 per cent of practitioners interviewed based in Kingston and St Andrew, resources tend to concentrate here and leave all the other parishes behind. If we want to have real growth, that means building creative hubs beyond Kingston, investing in regional arts infrastructure, and ensuring that the creative talent across the island has equitable access to opportunities for growth and development.”

He expressed that the opportunities are endless and that instead of Jamaicans watching from the sidelines, they can be leaders in the creative space. “The date is clear, the opportunities are real, and the world is listening. If we collaborate inclusively, invest with intent, measure what matters, and build the infrastructure that our talent deserves, Jamaica won’t just participate in the global creative economy. We will lead it,” Eytle said.