Culture Minister promotes ‘Jamaica 50’ at Diaspora Convention

Jamaican Diaspora Urged to Support Country’s Development

OCHO RIOS — As Jamaica approaches its 50th year of independence, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange, is urging members of the Diaspora to adjust their thoughts to ‘a new Jamaica’ and play their role in the country’s development.

“We are focusing on brand Jamaica and how we can leverage brand Jamaica. We are also looking forward to London 2012 and the Olympics while we celebrate our 50th anniversary,” Minister Grange said, while addressing Diaspora representatives from Canada, the United States, Jamaica, and the United Kingdom, at the 2011 Jamaican Diaspora Convention at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort in Ocho Rios, St. Ann.

The three-day convention (June 15 to June 17) was held under the theme, ‘One Nation: Jamaica and its Diaspora in Partnership’.

“Your presence is another demonstration of your commitment to your country and of your pride in being Jamaican. Our collective mission must be to forge a mighty partnership such as the world has never seen and which will bring greater strength, dynamism and activism to our determination to prepare our country to first world status by the year 2030 as the place of choice to live, do business and raise our families,” Minister Grange said.

Meanwhile, she informed that plans for the country’s 50th Anniversary celebrations were well underway and assured that it would be a celebration with a difference.

In his remarks, Communications Manager at Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Mark Thomas, said the agency was pleased to be collaborating with the Ministry in planning for the 50th anniversary celebrations.

“Our anniversary will be amazing; it will be memorable and it will be equal to or surpass the euphoria of the year 1962,” Mr. Thomas said, adding that it would be an explosion spring of national pride, energising Jamaicans both here and abroad.

He said that a wide variety of activities, to include sports, agriculture and education, among others, were being planned to mark the significant milestone.

“Marketing ‘Jamaica 50’ is about engaging the population and securing financial support from the private sector and from members of the Diaspora to ensure that the programmes come off very well,” Mr. Thomas said, encouraging members of the Diaspora to support and participate in the activities planned for ‘Jamaica  50’.

By ALDEEN CAMPBELL, JIS Reporter