VIDEO: 1.2 million bootleg CDs destroyed
BY SHAWN BARNES Observer video editor barness@jamaicaobserver.com
Saturday, April 16, 2011
ANTI-piracy campaigners yesterday organised the destruction of 1.2 million bootleg CDs and 212,000 DVDs confiscated by the police.
As part of Intellectual Property Week 2011, the Jamaica Anti-Piracy Alliance (JAPA) hopes that the destruction, carried out at the Riverton City Dump in St Andrew, will help convince Jamaicans of the importance of respecting intellectual property rights and combating piracy, which also helps fund organised crime.
Carol A Newman, general manager of the Jamaica Copyright Licensing Association (JAMCOPY), warned persons, including those who produce creative works — such as entertainers — that they do not stand to benefit from piracy.
"The importance of this today is to bring an awareness to the public of the harmful effects of piracy," Newman told Observer. "Piracy in all forms have a rehabilitating effect on not only the creators of intellectual property but also on our economy because the trade in pirated goods does not contribute to the legitimate economy," she added.
Head of the police's Organised Crime Division Superintendent Fitz Bailey said that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) would continue to pursue those who flout anti-piracy laws, warning that members of the public, both buyers and sellers were liable for prosecution.
"We will continue to enforce the law; we'll be very aggressive in our pursuit to identify those people who continue to pirate people's intellectual property," said Bailey. He said, too, that the police would be engaging in zero-tolerance efforts in their quest to support the artistes and other persons who are involved in the whole issue of intellectual property rights.
JAPA, which has been in existence since 2005, is a partnership of local organisations that represent or manage intellectual property rights.
Members include the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office; Jamaica Association of Composers, Authors and Publishers; JAMCOPY; Jamaica Music Society; the JCF; Palace Amusement Company; the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; and the Business Software Alliance.
