Jamaica Homecoming 2005 Launched In New York City

Jamaica Homecoming 2005 (JHC), a week-long celebration involving Jamaicans at home and overseas, had its New York City launch at a reception at the Jamaican Consulate, on Wednesday evening, August 31.
The national project which has the blessing of the Governor General, His Excellency, the Most Honourable Sir Howard Cooke and leading private and public sector entities in Jamaica, aims to kindle “the process of rebuilding, restoring and renewing the heart and soul of the nation through families and communities in order to begin displacing the roots of crime and violence,” according to a working document obtained from the secretariat in Kingston, Jamaica.
“We encourage as many Jamaicans who will be visiting home during the homecoming period of October 15-22, to get involved in the programme,” noted Dr. Basil K. Bryan, Consul General of Jamaica and Honorary Chairman of the NYC Committee of JHC/HANDS 2005.
The series of events at the parish and national levels are expected to take a forthright stand against the forces of crime and injustice as well as a stand for unity and peace.
Public Defender Howard Hamilton, who was guest of the NYC Committee told the gathering at the reception that more than 150 schools island-wide had already signed on and that the planned events would take place against a backdrop of exhibitions and expositions to enhance Jamaica’s social, cultural, moral and spiritual values.
Mr. Hamilton said that Jamaicans returning home for the festivities would be able to take advantage of discounted fares on national airline Air Jamaica and that the RJR Communications group had signed on as the media partner for JHC/HANDS 2005.
In explaining the theme ‘Let’s Take Our Country Back’ Mr. Hamilton said that it was the hope of the secretariat that the homecoming initiative would make a significant statement to government, the security forces and the people of Jamaica that enough was enough and that law-abiding citizens of the country would no longer sit still and allow the criminals to take over.
Deputy Consul General and Chair of the NYC Committee Lisa Bryan-Smart said that the group of business and community leaders were committed to the project and was hoping for positive results.