Hopes for the sector

By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

Jamaica is developing a national policy framework in order to advance in the lucrative animation industry.

State Minister for Science, Technology, Energy, and Mining, Julian Robinson, announced the plan at a recent certification ceremony honoring 21 animation specialists for their completion of a four-week training program at the Vocational Training Development Institute in St Andrew.

Above: work by top Jamaican animation producer Reel Rock GSW

The specialists, now equipped with effective teaching strategies, techniques, and mastery of the fundamental principles of animation, will go on to train others in the field, as Jamaica works to build a portfolio of qualified persons.

This new “train the trainers” program is the first of its kind in Jamaica, and is part of the Youth Employment in Digital Animation industries project.

“A number of institutions were offering animation training, but there were no
standards across the board. What we are trying to do is to establish a standard,” he said.

Robinson said he is hopeful that Jamaica can capitalize in the lucrative sector.