Gov’t supports Cayman musicians at Pan Am Games
(L-R) Culture Councillor Roy McTaggart presents cheque to Jeán-Eric Smith with Ministry of Culture Deputy Chief Officer Nancy Barnard
(CNS): Local musician Jeán-Eric Smith, popularly known as “Notch”, recently accepted a Cayman Islands government grant on behalf of Caymanian musicians who are performing at this year’s Pan American Games.
In addition to Notch, Cayman is being represented by musicians Andy Blake and Stewart Wilson at the 2015 Games in Toronto, Canada.
At a meeting with Ministry of Health and Culture Councillor Roy McTaggart and Deputy Chief Officer Nancy Barnard, Notch collected a cheque for $5,000, to help the group perform at the Games.
“The government realises the importance of supporting Cayman Islands’ musicians, as music is such a key aspect of our cultural and social life. We wish the group all the best in Canada,” said McTaggart.
Notch is a passionate advocate for the Cayman Islands music industry. As the current president of the Cayman Music and Entertainment Association, he is behind the new initiative to have local musicians serve as cultural attachés to sporting contingents at major international events, on a yearly basis.
The Pan Am Games, held every four years, are running through 26 July. Athletes from 41 different nations, including the Cayman Islands, are competing in 36 sports. While there, the musicians will be representing the Islands at the first-ever ‘Cayman House’ located in the FUSE Marketing Group’s downtown Toronto headquarters.
In addition to their performance, the musicians hope to continue to gain international experience and form useful networking ties with Canadian music companies.
Explaining that this opportunity is also important to Cayman’s tourism industry, Notch said, “Exposure from these games could prove to be a great step towards promoting Caymanian music and culture abroad and help to bring more visitors to our shores.”
Category: Culture
