Staff WriterFellow Jamaicans and Friends of Jamaica:
As our nation of Jamaica approaches close to the middle age of Independence, you could say that we are at a pivotal crossroads. In recent months, we have taken bold moves to confront elements in our society that disrupt our wish for law and order in all communities. There is no more opportune time to reflect and nurture the core values of the land of our birth or heritage to pursue our true potential. In this spirit over the last year, a band of Jamaica’s top reggae artists and industry professionals, led by Hopeton Lindo, partnered to pen and produce a theme song of unity and positive action for all Jamaicans, whether at home or abroad, titled “I AM JAMAICA”.
On July 17th, we officially launched the “I AM JAMAICA” campaign to connect the people of Jamaica at home and abroad. Though Jamaica is a nation of approximately 2.8 million persons, she enjoys an extended population of well over 3.5 million persons of Jamaican descent around the world. This greater nation of Jamaica is the most precious asset in reaching our full potential. The campaign calls on all Jamaicans, at home and abroad, to pursue a sense of personal responsibility and accountability; to inspire each other in embracing our talents and resources as a burgeoning global community; to evoke an emotional connection of positive vibes, prosperity, oneness, and all other core qualities of ‘Brand Jamaica’; and to elevate our level of communication and collaboration in addressing issues of national interest.
The spine of the campaign is a Declaration for Positive Action and Accountability which supporters are asked to sign, uphold and share with others at http://www.iamjamaica.org. The spirit of the campaign is also captured in a music video, produced and directed by Frame by Frame Productions, and filmed in locations throughout South Florida and Jamaica.
Through this Independence season, we will evoke the power of our music to thread our nation together across the world. In the end, this common bond will influence our daily actions. I pray that God will shine on you, your family, and organization during this special time of the year for the nation of Jamaica.
Make the pledge today and sign the Declaration at http://www.iamjamaica.org
My name is Marlon Hill and I AM JAMAICA. Happy 48th Independence!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
July 23 Deadline for annual Jamaica Independence Essay Competition – Jamaica Information Service
1:00 p.m. Radio interview/WLRN-91.3 FM with broadcast host Ed Bell (Independence celebrations in the Diaspora)
Sunday, July 25
2:30 p.m. 18th Annual Independence Mass organized by Food for the Poor Inc.
Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Miami, FL
5 p.m. Kendall Community Church of God Independence Celebration Service,
(Guest Speaker, Minister of National Security, Hon, Dwight Nelson, Kendall Community Church of God
8795 SW 112 St., Miami 33176
July 28-31 Jamaica Heritage Festival, Palm Bay United Methodist Church, Palm Bay, FL 32905
Saturday, July 31
7 p.m. Jamaica Grand Independence Ball: Caribbean Music Festival/ Needy Kids of Jamaica
Emerald Hills Country Club, Hollywood, FL
Sunday, Aug. 1
4 p.m. amaica Consulate General Ecumenical Independence Church Service, First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale
6:30 p.m Independence Reception/Launch of “Culturama 2010” Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs
Hosted by the Consulate General /Jamaica Awareness Inc
Monday, Aug. 2
4:30 p.m. Jamaica Flag Day – City Commission of Lauderhill, Broward County
Lauderhill Sports Complex, 7500 W. Oakland Blvd.,
Thursday, Aug. 5
5:30 p.m. Book Launch by Most Hon. Edward Seaga ON, PC, (Memoirs: My Life and Leadership – Volume 1)
Jamaica United Relief Association/South Regional-Broward College Library, 7300 Pines Blvd.
Friday, Aug. 6
7:30 p.m. Premier Independence Ball, Sheraton Ft. Lauderdale Airport Hotel,
Under patronage of Consul General Sandra Griffiths, Guest Speaker, Most Hon. Edward Seaga
8 p.m. Lighting of Bank of America Miami Tower in Jamaican flag colors, downtown Miami
(until Sunday, August 8, 2010)
Saturday, Aug. 7
2 p.m. Family Day picnic – Jamaica Independence Celebration, Miramar Regional Park Corporate Pavilion
Hosted by Friends of Good Shepherd
7 p.m. ‘Celebration Concert’ in celebration of Jamaica’s 48th Independence at Berean Church of God
3601 Davie Blvd., Hosted by Ladies Ministry
7 p.m. Annual Independence Ball, Jamaican/American Association of Central Florida, Rosen Plaza Hotel
9700 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
6:30pm. Jamaica Gala Fundraiser, The Jamaica Foundation of Houston
Westin Galleria Hotel, Grand Ballroom, 5060 West Alabama, Houston, TX 77056
Featuring: Ernie Smith and Pluto Shervington and Company
7 p.m. Annual Independence Ball, Renaissance Waverly Hotel, Cobb Galleria, Atlanta, Georgia
Most. Hon. Edward Seaga – Guest speaker
Atlanta Jamaica Association
Sunday, Aug. 8
3 p.m. Mass of Thanksgiving –Jamaica Emancipation & Independence, Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 1400 So. State Road 7 FL 33068
Christian Awareness Association, Inc.
12 noon to 9pm Jamaica Independence Celebrations, “Fun Day” Miramar Regional Park, Miramar, FL
NRS Promotions/Riddims Marketing Network/United Friends of Highgate
Saturday, Aug. 14
Book Launch by former Senator, Delano Franklyn, South Regional Broward College Library
7300 Pines Blvd. “Michael Manley: Politics of Equality & Sprinting into History”
Sunday, Aug. 15
3 p.m. Annual Thanksgiving Service, First United Methodist Church, 230 Prima Vista Blvd.
Pt. St. Lucie, FL 34983 (contact: 772-879-9414 or 772-828-7490)
Tuesday, August 17
6:30 p.m. Marcus Garvey Rootz Extravaganza. Guest Speaker, Dr. Willie Myles, Founder, Campaign to save a Generation. Venue – Joseph C. Carter Park, 1450 W. Sunrise Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale
Friday, Aug. 20
Caribbean Cultural Association Independence Observance, Tampa, FL
( Event dates and times are subject to change. Please contact the affiliated organization or producers for details, tickets or additional information)
HAPPY 48TH INDEPENDENCE SEASON
jamarch
