Kay Osborne and Munair 'Sonny T' Zacca in deep conversation at the Cinecom 30th Anniversary Party, held at the Royal Jamaica Yacht Club in July 2005. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Talent, tolerance and technology are exactly what will improve Jamaica's standard of living, according to Kay Osborne.

Osborne, the current general manager of Television Jamaica (TVJ), said the country is already well-equipped with talent and tolerance, but policies need to be in place to foster the growth of technology.

It is no secret that Jamaicans are quite talented. Whether it is in athletics or entertainment, the world's powerhouses are now recognising that Jamaica is often as good as, or even better than, anyone. Among the areas in which Jamaica is excelling, theatre is right at the helm.

Since Osborne spent much of her earlier days writing scripts for the theatre, her passion for the performing arts in Jamaica is understandable. Unfortunately, she said too little attention is being paid to theatre.

"I believe, despite some of the crass material, Jamaican culture is rich; it has texture and colour. This can give talented Jamaicans the opportunity to express their experiences to the world," she said.

She continued: "We need to develop policies to support investment in these areas. Take, for example, the French; perfume and fashion are now culture-based. The French government spends its money on it."

Osborne also made reference to Broadway, Bollyhood and Hollywood, and the interest that the respective governments take in making their products work for them.

Endless possibilities

Then Prime Minister P.J Patterson (left) gets down to the sweet soca beat from Fab 5 band with Kay Osborne, general manager of TVJ, at Laughing Waters in St. Ann. - Norman Grindley/Staff Photographer

From a woman who can be considered a literal citizen of the world, Osborne has seen the many different approaches to developing a stable economy. With that in mind, she is resolute that if enough attention is paid to training and developing the Jamaican product by incorporating technology, the possibilities are endless as to what Jamaicans can achieve.

Osborne spoke of a study that indicated that since the 1980s close to 50 per cent of the world's income was generated by those involved in using their creativity.

Granted, Jamaican institutions may not have all the infrastructure to produce the best output, but Osborne thinks this can be addressed by importing trainers form overseas. Soon, Jamaicans would learn and add their own Jamaicanness in a "transfer of skills".

By saying that she is not just producing hot air. She made an example out of the country's most popular show, Digicel Rising Stars. The first and second seasons of the programme were produced with much help from overseas. However, the third season, which ended in October 2006, was produced by Sharon Shroeter, who Osborne said caught on to the techniques of producing a "world-class show".

Her days in Jamaican theatre began around 1978 when she wrote and produced her first script, Wipe That Smile. Until this day the play is still being revived in Canada, England and in the United States. Her stint as a playwright has resulted in the utmost respect for those with creative minds.

"In theatre at that time you had people like Trevor Rhone grappling with social issues. Theatre was a part of the cadre of Jamaicans who had become involved in understanding who we are. It reflected who we were and provided answers to issues," she said.

Travelling the globe

Osborne

Kay Osborne and her family migrated to the U.S. just around the time when many Jamaicans feared their country would become a communist state. She saw the world as she travelled the globe in her position as director of international business at a U.S. business. Later, she settled in the suburb of Chicago.

One can always have a reason to leave home, but there needs not be any reason to return home. Osborne was at a point where she had seen the world and ready to be home.

A change in her personal life made her decision to return to Jamaica much easier. Osborne did not know what awaited her once she got back, but has certainly landed on her feet, is settling in well and having a kick out of life.