Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

A 20-year-old Jamaican studying in Canada has called for the Government and the local arts community to collaborate and establish a performing arts secondary institution in the country.

Tamaisha Eytle, a student at York University, challenged the authorities to open such an institution, while speaking at Tuesday's workshop on youth and future leadership at the Third Biennial Jamaican Diaspora Conference, held at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston.

What is the reason?

"Why don't we have an arts school?" said Eytle.

The question was posed to the youth and future leadership workshop panellists, which included Senator Warren Newby, parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports.

Eytle said the many talented youths in the island should be able to hone their skills at the earliest possible age.

The Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts is the island's sole tertiary institution geared to that sector.

Unable to enhance skills

Speaking with The Gleaner after the workshop, Eytle said as a child she was a gifted artiste, but her talents were suppressed, as she was unable to enhance her skills.

"People kept talking about science and technology, but I had an aptitude for the arts," said Eytle, who moved here with her family at age three.

She said many other young people are interested in becoming the next Sean Paul, but need to be trained in the business component while crafting their talents.

"There are such institutions in the US (United States)," she said. "These schools shape many of the stars that we same Jamaicans see on television, who we idolise."

shelly-ann.thompson@gleaner jm.com