Jamaica Entertainers and Creatives Insurance Plan (JECIP) Launched

New Initiative Provides Life Insurance Coverage to Over 4,400 Entertainers and Creatives

The Jamaica Entertainers and Creatives Insurance Plan (JECIP) has been launched, providing life insurance coverage to over 4,400 entertainers and creatives in Jamaica. The program was unveiled in a contract signing ceremony on November 12 at the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, spearheaded by Portfolio Minister Hon. Olivia Grange.

About JECIP

The JECIP, administered by Guardian Life Insurance Group, offers free life insurance coverage to registered members of the National Registry of Entertainment and Creative Industries Practitioners (E-Registry). Coverage extends to individuals aged 6 to 75, with an option to continue until age 99.

Importance of the Initiative

Minister Grange emphasized the importance of this initiative for the nation’s entertainment community, urging eligible individuals to enroll. “We are working so that the situation we faced in 2017/2018 will not be repeated,” she said. “In that year, 19 entertainers died, 70 percent of whom had inadequate insurance coverage, leaving them unable to afford proper funeral arrangements. This was particularly embarrassing, as many of these cultural practitioners have given so much to our country.”

Financial Preparedness

Minister Grange stressed the need for financial preparedness, noting, “I don’t like to see us having to pass the hat around to bury anybody. It is important that you take this very, very seriously.”

How JECIP Works

Earlier this year, the Ministry’s Entertainment Division surveyed 142 individuals on the E-Registry, finding that most expressed interest in group life insurance but were unable to afford it. This feedback led to the creation of JECIP as a non-contributory plan, meaning no monthly contributions are required from registered participants.

Phase Two

The initiative also includes a phase two, scheduled for launch in January 2025, that will introduce group health insurance covering hospitalization, surgery, accidents, maternity, major medical expenses, and emergency care for those touring overseas.

Commitment to the Program

Eric Hosin, Guardian Life’s Group Head of Life, Health, and Pensions, expressed the company’s commitment to the program, saying, “We are very pleased to be a part of this, because we know how important it is that you take care of your families.”

Government Commitment

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Dione Jennings, underscored the government’s commitment to social protection, noting, “The Ministry… joins with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport in a united mission to ensure that every Jamaican has access to the social protection they deserve, and no one is left behind.”

How to Participate

Jamaican entertainers and creatives who wish to participate are encouraged to register online or at the Entertainment Ministry’s offices.

Conclusion

The Jamaica Entertainers and Creatives Insurance Plan (JECIP) is a significant initiative that aims to provide life insurance coverage to over 4,400 entertainers and creatives in Jamaica. With its non-contributory plan and commitment to financial preparedness, JECIP is an important step towards ensuring that Jamaica’s entertainment community is protected and secure.

FAQs

* Who is eligible for JECIP?
+ Registered members of the National Registry of Entertainment and Creative Industries Practitioners (E-Registry)
* What is the age range for coverage?
+ 6 to 75 years old, with an option to continue until age 99
* Is there a monthly contribution required?
+ No, JECIP is a non-contributory plan
* What is the purpose of phase two?
+ To introduce group health insurance covering hospitalization, surgery, accidents, maternity, major medical expenses, and emergency care for those touring overseas