Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett (2nd right) and Director of Tourism, Donovan White (2nd left) shares lens time with Rajeev Nangia (left) Chief Operating Officer of TRAC Representations and Kavi Ghei, Chairman of TRAC Representations.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett is placing special focus on the world’s most populated country, India, as a country from which to pull visitors in coming years. This is part of a renewed campaign to diversify Jamaica’s tourist markets.

Jamaica gets the bulk of its visitors from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

“The Indian market initiatives are now fully on stream. We met with our partners and are beginning engagements later this year. There is a huge market for weddings, there is a confluence of cricket, a rapidly growing middle and upper middle class, over time better flight connectivity, and a very active Indian community in Jamaica itself will drive growth from this increasingly lucrative market,” noted Bartlett.

Bartlett arrived in Dubai on the weekend ahead for the Arabian Travel Market, the largest tourism tradeshow in the Middle East, accompanied by high-ranking team members director of tourism, Donovan White and senior advisor and strategist in the Ministry of Tourism, Delano Seiveright.

Jamaica’s new markets initiatives were initially heavily focused on South America for which significant gains were made just before the COVID-19 pandemic with new nonstop flights by South America’s largest air carrier LATAM between Lima, Peru and Montego Bay, Jamaica and up to 11 weekly flights between Panama City and Jamaica by COPA. The pandemic curbed those gains with Bartlett recently mandating his team to re-engage new markets growth efforts.

PHOTO: RUDRANATH FRASER Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange (centre), and Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn, is greeted by CEO of JACANA, Alexandra Chong, during an event at Island Village in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, on Thursday, April 20, in recognition of International Cannabis Day.

The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce continues to advocate for the inclusion of more Jamaican farmers in the cultivation of ganja as part of efforts to develop the sector and tap into its potential economic benefits.

Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn, State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce  has said that the Government’s Alternative Development Programme (ADP) is a key initiative for community groups and small-scale growers to gain access to legal channels in the industry.

“The ADP is a community-centred approach in which participating communities will be allowed to cultivate up to 10 acres of land [and] will be required to sell all of their outputs from the programme to a licensed downstream buyer or authorised permit holders of the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA),” Dr. Dunn explained.

He was addressing an event hosted by JACANA, at Island Village in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, on Thursday, April 20, in recognition of International Cannabis Day.

The Caribbean Studies Association (CSA2023) Conference is celebrating the 49th CSA Anniversary, the 47th CSA Conference, and featuring the intellectual richness, transcultural value, cultural heritage education, socioeconomic diversity, intergenerational equity and more within St. Croix, the Virgin Islands, and the wider Caribbean Americas regionally and globally.  The CSA2023 Conference is scheduled for Monday, June 5th to Friday, June 9th.2023 – for the first time- on St. Croix in the Virgin Islands (US).  CSA2023 Conference sessions are being hosted at the University of the Virgin Islands’ Medical Simulation Center (UVI MSC) and the Research and Technology Park (RTPark).  

The theme for the CSA2023 Conference is: Transforming Our Caribbean: Sustainable Educational Research, Cultural Creatives, Sacred Traditions, Economic Development and Environmental Solutions. 

 "We're proud and excited to welcome CSA members from all over the Global South to this very special event that will also feature the value, worth, sacred intentions, rich cultural heritage and harmony of St. Croix and the Virgin Islands (US) within this region," commented Dr. Chenzira Davis Kahina, CSA President.

The Caribbean Studies Association (CSA) “is an independent professional organization devoted to the promotion of Caribbean studies from a multidisciplinary, multicultural point of view. It is the primary association for scholars and practitioners working in the Caribbean Region (including Central America and the Caribbean Coast of South America).”  CSA members come from the Caribbean Region, North America, South America, Central America, Africa, Europe and elsewhere. Founded in 1974 by 300 Caribbeanists, the CSA membership and associates has increased to as many as 1000-plus. Visit https://www.caribbeanstudiesassociation.org for more information.

Dr Carey Wallace Keynote at Global Villa Hotel Launch

Last Friday, March 31, 2023, Global Villa Boutique Hotel made history when the dream of its Managing Director, Gloria Spence, came true with the launch of its successful Upgrades of Rooms, the Conference Centre and the installation of a New Pool.

Ms. Gloria Spence surrounded by five generations of Grant and Spence family members welcomed her special guests, community associates, and patrons of Global Village in a joyful and professionally staged Launch Event in front of the state-of-the-art conference room, which was prepared to host her VIP guests. She cordially and energetically shared her vision, achievements in the UK, in Jamaica. She said this “Incredible Milestone was achieved through persistent hard work, commitment, support and love.”

The event host, Sharon Parris-Chambers, Broadcast Journalist and PR Consultant, created an “easy breezy” ambiance to match the breezy climate by the seaside. Representatives of the Tourism and Business sectors in attendance were: Dr Carey Wallace (Executive Director, Tourism Enhancement Fund); Ms Sandra Bellinfantie, Product Quality Manager -Western Region (Tourism Product Development Company); Mr Dwayne Hunter, Development Manager (EXIM Bank); Ms Andrea Dehaney-Grant (Deputy Mayor of Lucea). Dr Carey Wallace, Keynote, gave a stirring speech and charged the audience to press forward with their entrepreneurial goals as this was the time to make their mark. He later cut the ribbon to officially open the pool for use by the hotel guests.

Ms Spence was very pleased to welcome Dr Beverley Anderson, Past Dean of Art & Science, Eastern Connecticut State University, who hosted all their Professors at Global Villa Hotel for 11 years to help Hanoverian Teachers to obtain their first B.A. degree.

The Launch was not without exciting entertainment produced by Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, Shiyan Williams, Parish Manager; Green Island High School and Frenchie Production Limited. The Green Island High School performances were arranged by Shauna Miller, Dramatist, with participation by the following performers: Karlia performed a Monologue; followed by a Drum Ensemble and another humor-filled Monologue by Demario Malcolm. Ozarii, a shooting star & multi-genre artiste, managed by Frenchie Production performed three singles entitled “Protest”, “Whine Slow” “A You mi Really Love”.

The Ribbon was cut to Showcase the Pool immediately after all the presentations were completed. Dr Carey Wallace did the honours assisted by Ms Andria Dehaney-Grant and Ms Gloria Spence.

Alora Entertainment & Business Centre

Hanover, Jamaica, W.I. April 5, 2023. Alora Entertainment & Business Centre, located in Bull’s Bay, Lucea, Hanover invites you to their official launch on April 8, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Manager Keneisha Walker says "the entertainment and business centre are much more than meets the eye. The entity is a restaurant, entertainment and conference centre that opens its doors to Hanoverians to experience its multiple offerings."

The exciting Launch event will present a Family Fun Day with fun for the whole family. Ice Cream and Kiddies Bounce About & Trampoline for the children. Gift shop with alluring gifts; disco lounge, Conference for business meetings. Dine indoors at the upstairs bar and restaurant patio. Sample our menu of delicious Jamaican foods with Trinidadian curry dishes & roti.

MELLO FM OUTSIDE BROADCAST begins from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with Radio Host: Keleine 'Kelz' Maye. Before and after the Broadcast (OB) Special Entertainment will be provided by Vybz Sound. Meals by Harry Potter & Capachi. There will be fun Games of Dominos, Bingo, and more.

Join us for the Official Launch of Lucea’s only first-class Restaurant & Entertainment Complex on Saturday. Doors open at 11:00 a.m.

For more information contact 876-997-7918 Instagram (IG) Alorajamaica.

Contact:
Sharon Parris-Chambers
CARIBNEWSROOM.COM
876-275-3169

On April 1, 2023, the Royal Chamber Bill was finally passed by Parliament. The text was prepared by Queen Houindokon and Queen Aïdji, respectively Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Historical Legacy. Then, the Prime Minister, Dr. Louis-Georges Tin, transmitted it to the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Melvin Brown. The text was then examined in committee, and finally adopted in plenary session of Parliament.

In a few days, the entire text of the law will be available on the official website of the State of the African Diaspora, in the “Legislation” section. The Prime Minister, the Vice Prime Minister and the Minister of Historical Legacy will then present it to the Royal Chamber, so that traditional leaders can take ownership of it, as it is this text that will organize the cooperation between the Government of SOAD and the Pan-African Kingdoms.

The leaders of SOAD will then present the adopted text to the Ambassadors, coordinated by Mrs. Millie Tucker, Consul General, because one of the missions of the Ambassadors is precisely to be in relation with the Kings and Queens of Africa. It is therefore important that they also have the opportunity to learn about the text adopted in Parliament.

At the end of the parliamentary process, the government was very pleased with the quality of the work done. The Prime Minister said: “the two State Houses of the Diaspora are now well organized. They have dynamic leaders and play an essential role in the heart of the State. And I am pleased that this law can help restore the majesty of the Kingdoms and the greatness of Africa.”

Omega Medical Hospital, Negril

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Monday, March 27, 2023: [As a resident of Negril over a period of 10 years, I have seen the  private sector advocate and compete to build a hospital that would be subsidized to accommodate residents and visitors alike. This dream has not yet materialized, instead we have accepted privitized medical care in Negril, Jamaica's most complete resort. Those without medical coverage would be shuttled to overcrowded hospitals which sometimes have no space for the sick and dying. What is Jamaica's Health Ministry going to do about this as Jamaica continues towards its goal of Vision 2030 (Jamaica will become a place to live, do business and raise families.) as it races towards becoming a First World Caribbean nation. The following question begs for an in-depth response: How can a "first world" Caribbean nation not afford to care for its people, the most valuable commodity,  in modern, affordable-care hospitals or urgent-care facilities?
In regard  to Lucea, Hanover becoming a resort, does a Bypass, alone prepare this bypassed parish for the glory that it could become as a Thriving Marina with an active Town Centre, Tours and Reinactments at Fort Charlotte? Why has it taken so long Honourable Edmund Bartlett and Prime Minister Holeness? ]
Caribnewsroom commentary
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Both the Hanover parish capital, Lucea, and the popular resort of Negril are being earmarked for major development to enhance them as tourist towns.

With key hotel developments currently underway east and west of Lucea, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says much is in store that will make this area rival other existing resorts.

Construction is underway on the 950-room expansion of Grand Palladium Resorts as well as the new 2000-room Princess Jamaica Resort. Also, work is expected to commence shortly on construction of the Viva Wyndham Resort in Hanover.

Further details on these developments will be known when Minister Bartlett makes his Sectoral Presentation in Parliament on April 18. Meanwhile, he has also signalled that one of Lucea’s historical treasures, Fort Charlotte, is to receive attention and play an important role in marine life in the west.

Jamaica Coat-of-Arms

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Monday, April 3, 2022:  Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett will today (April 3) join government ministers, finance executives and administrators from South Africa, Botswana, Spain and Sierra Leone on a Ministerial Roundtable titled: “Developing a Sustainable Tourism Industry in Africa by Integrating Cultural, Environment, Good Governance and Social Concerns”. The roundtable is one of the highlights of the African Tourism Investment Summit being held from April 3-5, 2023, in Cape Town, South Africa, under the theme: “Revitalizing Investment in Sustainable Tourism on the African Continent”.

Minister Bartlett, who left the island on Saturday (April 1), has been invited to speak at the highly anticipated summit in his capacity as a well-respected global thought leader on tourism resilience and development. The event is also an opportunity for the tourism minister to explore expansion of the Global Tourism Resilience & Crisis Management Centre’s (GTRCMC) satellite network in Africa, enhance cooperation in the areas of travel and hospitality between Jamaica and South Africa, and engage with the Ministers of Tourism of several African countries who will be attending the summit.

“The Government of Jamaica has been actively working to strengthen ties between Jamaica and the continent of Africa in the areas of travel, trade and investment. From a tourism perspective, Africa is the new frontier and Jamaica and, in fact, the wider Caribbean, are particularly interested in tapping into this new market.  Another important area of cooperation is tourism resilience. We already have a GTRCMC satellite centre in Kenya and we look forward to expanding this important Africa Network,” Minister Bartlett noted. 

“With the strong historical and cultural association between Jamaica and Africa, it is strategic to collaborate and strengthen our tourism cooperation. The summit will provide this opportunity,” he added.

Eighteen Dynasty Egyptian Royalty

Rootsology & Queenology returns with another exciting collaboration between the Temple of Inner Peace, founders Sharon and Theo Chambers and ICAN Company, founding directors Denise Isis Miller and Cover ‘Jah Steve’ Palmer dubbed “The Sage Within Stimulates Queen Healing” during an International Women’s Month Programme scheduled for Sunday, March 26, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. at the Temple of Inner Peace in West Cliff Estate, Mt. Airy, Negril.

Queenology is the study and science of a Queen. In harmony with the 2023 International Women’s Day theme of “Gender Equality in the Digital World,” this event is building on the theme Digitization and Inclusivity.

Parris-Chambers said, “Women have entered the Board Room and have no intention of giving up their forward trajectory to the top and Digitization is another area for the Sacred Feminine to express her Shakti power.”

The Iconic Queens to be honoured on Sunday are:
*Dr Sherrill Chong, Researcher in Clinical Therapy and SOAD Minister of Family & Social
Economy;
*SntDr. Chenzira Davis Kahina, Consultant, Griot, Smai Tawi Kemetic Priestess, and 2nd APG/HCG in
the UNIA-ACL RC2020;
*Kathie Lennon, CEO, KML Agroconsulting Ltd. & Cannabis Consultant.
*Jackie Lewis, Founder, Operator of Jackie’s on the Reef Day Spa in Negril.
*Keteis Oyonde, Edutainer, Educator, Entrepreneur, Enabler.

Dear Tourism Partner,
Thank you for your support of the ‘’ and official the launch of the ‘Global Tourism Resilience Day’ slated for Wednesday, February 15, 2023, to Friday, February 17, 2023, at the Regional Headquarters, University of the West Indies, Mona, in Kingston, Jamaica.

Please join us in viewership at any of the below live stream platforms/event links and follow the discussions outlined in your attached program.

GTRCMC

February 15, 2023 at 8:30 am

Hon. Edmund Bartlett at the UN

Kingston, Jamaica; Monday, February 6, 2023: Jamaica’s efforts to bolster resilience in global tourism by proposing the official designation of February 17th as Global Tourism Resilience Day annually has yielded great success, as the United Nations (UN) officially ratified the move to facilitate its observance globally today (February 6).

Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has been a global voice advocating for tourism resilience as a means of safeguarding the sector during times of crises that negatively impact the industry, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

In welcoming the UN’s decision Minister Bartlett said: “This is a signal honour for Jamaica which highlights the fact that our nation continues to have such significant influence on the international stage. This is very timely as the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is still being felt and is causing a strain on many tourism-dependent states as they struggle to recover.”

Minister Bartlett, who made a presentation on Global Tourism Resilience during the UN General Assembly meeting at the UN headquarters in New York today, added that: “Global Tourism Resilience Day emphasizes the importance of building tourism resilience across the world to fuel sustainable growth and development.”

Queen Ifrica

Rebel Salute 29^th edition was held January 20 and 21, 2023 at Grizzly’s Plantation Cove in St Ann. The Event dubbed “The People’s Show” returned after two years of Government restrictions, fines for breaches of established coronavirus (COVID-19) health protocols and prohibition. It was indeed ‘Food for the Soul’, bringing the healing messages so needed by the people.

Rebel Salute 2023 was bigger and better than ever with few sightings of masks or muffled speech. The consciousness of just being in a space designed for total immersion of a natural Rastafari experience and lifestyle (livity), permeated the air. It was indeed a time for celebration and joy and that is what the Tony Rebel-led “Organic H.E.A.R.T Group of Companies” gave to the patrons of Rebel Salute 2023 this past weekend.

Queen Ifrica (Fyah Muma), one of Jamaica’s finest international cultural Reggae artisté, performed a stunning set and looked the part of royalty in an elegant Africa-patterned gown accentuated with a black Crown. After giving her adoring fans hits like “Randy”, “Jus My Brethren”, “Below the Waist”, “Daddy”, “Lioness on the Rise”, “Fun in our Life” … Queen dropped a new song titled “Proud of Me” and asked fans to sing along. “I’m excited blessings keep coming in; they never saw me fight for me. Proud of mi-self. Welcome to my victory. Chorus: “Proud of mi-self, proud of yourself; Repeat. Yes! Yes! You fi Proud of yourself. Yes! Yes! You fi  Proud Lord! …_”

During her set Queen said “I have performed on the Rebel Salute stage for 22 years and never missed a night. I am proud of myself. We love our black culture. Our black music, we make sacrifices to see to it that it happens. That is the most important thing.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHds1tdePuE

Kingston, 12 January 2023 – “I know the need and I want to ensure that it’s done,” declared the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, as her Ministry took a major step towards establishing an insurance programme for entertainment, culture and creative industries practitioners.

The Ministry on Thursday (today) signed a contract with actuaries Eckler Jamaica Limited who will advise the Ministry on how to establish the scheme and make it sustainable.

The principal of Eckler Jamaica, Constance Hall, said her firm will “recommend to the Ministry this is the insurance company to provide the service, these are the benefits that should be provided and this is what you should pay to them for that service.”

The firm will take six months to design the scheme and make their recommendations.

Rt Honourable Amy Jacques Garvey

Kingston, Jamaica, W.I. The Rt. Honourable Amy Euphemia Jacques Garvey, born December 31, 1896, in Kingston, Jamaica, was the second wife of the Rt. Honourable Marcus Mosiah Garvey, the first provisional President of Africa.  She was a journalist, activist and one of the pioneering female Black journalists and publishers of the 20th century.

A Memorial Service and Floral Tribute will take place on her birthday at St. Andrew Parish Church where she is interred, Saturday, December 31, 2022 at 9:00 a.m.  The Church is located at 4 Hagley Park Rd, Kingston, Jamaica. All are invited to attend. Following the service at 4:00 p.m. will be the Unveiling and Renaming of the Jacques Road Community Centre (Jacques Road is located off Mountain View).

Garveyite and Activist Claude Sinclair facilitated a total clean-up of the burial site, restoration of the headstone and will unveil a Mural during the ceremony. Included in the tribute to this great Stalwart is the Re-naming of Jacques Road Community Centre to Amy Jacques Community Centre.

St. Andrew Parish Church cemetery is one of the oldest in continuous use in the island and many prominent persons associated with the history of the Church are interred within its boundaries.

The Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International called on the young people of the Caribbean to tap into their creative genius, never to settle for mediocrity, and to keep betting on the future of Jamaica and the Caribbean.

Delivering remarks after being conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree at the 2022 graduation ceremony of The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus over the weekend, Adam Stewart encouraged the graduating to be the generation that competes on the world stage and outperforms any society in the world.

“We are a fascinating people. We are a people rich in culture. The way we walk, the way we talk, the respect that we demand, the pride that we have. Ladies and gentlemen, do not settle. Do not bet against this country and this region,” he said, noting that “a solution for Jamaica and a solution for the Caribbean is not overseas. It is right here in your backyard.”

Stewart said the Caribbean ought to encourage and embrace an entrepreneurial mindset. “What we are looking for is that individual who shows up every single day giving 110 percent. What we are looking for in this region is the future and everything that we can become,” he commented, imploring graduates to not get caught up in idle banter.

Montego Bay, Jam- Recognizing his work as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) Executive Chairman Adam Stewart was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree at the 2022 graduation ceremony of The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Mona Campus, held this past Saturday (Nov. 5).

An ardent champion of possibility in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean, Stewart leads a hospitality organization that is the region’s largest private employer with more than 15,000 team members spread across 24 resorts and eight islands. Beyond Sandals Resorts, Stewart directs his family’s extensive media, automotive and appliance business holdings, and is the force behind international brands AC by Marriott and Starbucks® entering the Caribbean market.  And while his business enterprises and acumen are highly regarded, his tireless work on the region’s most pressing issues – from access to healthcare and protection of natural resources to investment in education – is where Stewart shines. It is for these reasons that Stewart was awarded the degree.

“I am humbled and so proud to be recognized by The UWI for the work I am passionate about. My father, the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart, taught me that opportunity is a gift not to be wasted. His tenacity and drive to make life better not only for himself and his family but for his employees, community and country gave me a firsthand understanding of what is possible when people are given a chance. I accept this degree with a full heart and the promise to continue to earn the confidence this illustrious body has placed in me,” said Stewart.

“The University of the West Indies is honored to have Adam Stewart join our distinguished cadre of recipients of Honorary Doctorates,” said Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies. He continued, “Adam is the embodiment of the modern renaissance man leading the charge in the Caribbean in the innovation and creativity critical to achieving high levels of growth. His is the type of acumen and agility that The UWI prides itself on honing to meet the needs of our burgeoning region. Congratulations Dr. The Hon. Adam Stewart. Well deserved!”

Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett to share insights on ways to boost resilience of global tourism.

Minister Bartlett left the island today (October 25) for Nimes, France, to attend the prestigious event, where he will join fellow industry leaders in discussions on sustainable travel, which will entail case studies and targeted sessions throughout the two-day conference. 

He is slated to take part in a press conference which will examine the issue: “Transforming the Travel Industry – Destination by Destination/Supplier by Supplier” as well as a panel discussion on the theme: “Driving Sustainability and Preparedness Through Academic Rigor” on Thursday, October 27. The Minister will also partake in a fireside chat exploring global initiatives on travel.

Minister Bartlett explained that he is anticipating conversations on “how key players in the global tourism industry can work together to transform it sustainably as the event promises to ensure thought leadership that delivers ‘the how’ and ‘the what’ in sustainability.”

October 5, 2022. Kingston, Jamaica, W.I. Herbology Meets Rootsology - SAVE SOIL JAMAICA is a Jamaican initiative comprised of four core partners and concentric circles of Affiliates across the Island. They aim to help farmers and Jamaicans turn the looming threat of Soil Extinction into Soil Proliferation. The organization will use advocacy, education, demonstration, seminars, workshops to achieve its mission to Save Soil – Save Self – Save Soul.

The Campaign is spearheaded by Denise Isis Miller, award-winning Journalist (Broadcaster) and host of Rootsology programme on the Inner-City Mustard Seed Radio Station. She is inspired by the Indian Mystic Sadhguru, founder of Isha Foundation, who for 24 years has been pioneering SAVE SOIL in India.

Core leaders are Theo Chambers, Co-founder Temple of Inner Peace Retreat Jamaica, Tourism & Marketing Consultant, former President of the Hanover Chamber of Commerce; and Sharon Oshun Parris-Chambers, an International Publicist, Transformational Author & Coach and Ambassador for State of the African Diaspora (SOAD); As well as Cover Jah Steve Palmer, Building Engineer and Certified Electrical Installer and Spiritual leader.

SAVE SOIL JAMAICA Affiliates will form an island-wide network that links to the global Campaign pioneered by Sadhguru. Meet our first group of Affiliates: Janet Pullin, Marketing and Training Director, Jamaica Agricultural Society and its Membership; Dr. Sherrill Chong, Co-founder of the former Earl’s Juice Gardens Health Stores, along with her late husband Earl Constantine Chong. She is currently a Supernatural Life Coach, and Minister of Family and Social Economy, State of the African Diaspora (SOAD), Jamaica; Kathie Lennon, CEO KML Agroconsulting Limited, (Operator Pikkihead Farm), Ganja Farmer and Advocate, Jamaica; Jamaica Forestry Department (Francene Black-Richards, Public Relations Manager); Billy and Claudette Wilmot, Jamnesia Surf Camp, St Andrew; Nicola Shirley Phillips, Source Farm Eco Village, Jamaica; Paula Surtees, Creatives for Peace, Jamaica; Theo and Sharon Chambers, Temple of Inner Peace Nature Retreat, Negril, Jamaica.

Affiliate Entertainers – Bushman, a veteran Conscious Reggae Entertainer and a recent recipient of the Peter Tosh Humanitarian award presented by Niambe Tosh (Peter Tosh’s daughter) at CanEX conference in September 16, 2022, has come onboard with SAVE SOIL JAMAICA. He will be working closely with Kathie Lennon.

Nature, a world-renowned Conscious Reggae Entertainer and Nature lover, has also partnered with Denise Isis Miller’s Herbology Meets Rootsology initial Showcase Feb 4-19, 2022, has pledged to continue to use his music to support SAVE SOIL JAMAICA. Paula Surtees, Founder of Creatives for Peace, Jamaica has developed and coached a cadre of Youth Entertainers (poets, musicians, dancers) are being groomed for island-wide performances, has also pledged to become an Affiliate.

Lee-Chin and PM Holness

Kingston, Jamaica, Sunday, September 11, 2022. The Advocates Network join many Jamaicans in expressing deep concern and unease about Michael Lee Chin’s plan to convert 3,000 acres of agricultural lands for real estate development. The removal of plots of lands from intergenerational inhabitants and consolidating these plots into large land parcels which are then sold as development lots to private interests is troubling and raises broader unsettled land tenure issues. Traditionally, these lands have been cultivated by subsistence small-farmers to alleviate poverty and contribute to Jamaica’s food security. Importantly, these lands enable small farmers to construct their own affordable housing solutions to occupy with their families as proud owners, as well as to create a capital asset that can provide the basis for intergenerational wealth. This issue is of historic significance!

At Emancipation in 1834, some lands were made available to the Freed Africans who purchased them and built houses and cultivated the land; ownership of these lands now exists outside of now formal land titling processes. By 1865, there was widescale dislocation of many of these small land-owners, with the colonial government refusing to make available additional lands for them to purchase, resulting in widescale unrest. The Morant Bay Uprising was sparked primarily over discontent with land tenue issues, which have remained unresolved till today.  

In addition, persons who worked on many of the sugar estates were often given lands as part of compensation for working there over the years. The Bernard Lodge Estate (approximately 5,397.02 acres) and the Innswood Estate (approximately 3,000 acres), both in St Catherine, are examples of “such compensation by land.” Yet with no apparent recognition of the historical significance of these estates, Bernard Lodge and Innswood are currently slated for government development to accommodate future population growth of the Kingston Metropolitan Area (KMA). This present-day eviction of small-settlers from these former sugar lands continues the historic, intergenerational disenfranchisement of farmers which began with the colonial government in the post-emancipation period. Instead of providing adequate and fair land tenure to these farmers, they have been relegated into ‘squatters’ because they have no titles. Again, they have been issued eviction notices, driven off the land, and their historic traditional settlements and housing architecture demolished for sale to the wealthy few. 

Furthermore, we disagree fundamentally with the trend towards increasing urban sprawl and the conversion of our best agricultural lands into concrete jungles for commercial and housing development. Our focus should be on proper planning, improving, and upgrading our existing urban centres.

Importantly, in a country, which is struggling to contain its burgeoning crime problem, the findings of CAPRI reports (2019 & 2020), which suggest a direct correlation between landlessness, unaffordable/inadequate housing, and increased crime, need to be taken seriously.  

Every year, August 17 marks the Marcus Garvey Day, which is one of the national days of the State of the African Diaspora (SOAD). This year, for this special occasion, Dr Julius Garvey, who is Marcus Garvey’s son, and Dr Louis-Georges Tin, Prime Minister of SOAD, have just signed a cooperation agreement the aim of which is « to create a maritime company called The New Black Star Line, to revive the Black Star Line, the company once created by Marcus Garvey », as stated in article 1 of the text.

Last year, on december 31, 2021, both parties had already signed a cooperation agreement. Now, this new article is added to reinforce this important cooperation. As explained in article 2, « the company will work on repatriation, to support the African Diaspora in their effort to reconnect with the continent, and it will also encourage Africans from the continent to visit the Diaspora ». But it will also work with cargo « in an effort to promote South-South commercial relationships » (article 3). Though it is very recent, this initiative has already raised a lot of interest. Different partners on the international scale have expressed their desire to be part of the story.

The Prime Minister declared : « The New Black Star Line is an effort to continue and reinforce the example set up by Marcus Garvey. While our ancestors were deported from Africa, the New Black Star Line will help us to reverse this bad energy and go back to Africa. To sign this cooperation agreement with Dr Julius Garvey is a privilege. This initiative is not only commercial, it is also political, I would even say spiritual ».

Upon signing the document, Dr Julius Garvey concluded : « It is time to carry forward my Father’s Legacy.