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Jamaica’s Ambassador Calls On Diaspora In LA To Leverage Jamaican Culture

Derrick Scott

Washington, DC – Jamaica’s Ambassador has called upon Jamaicans in California to come together to leverage the Jamaican culture, a creative industry by establishing “Jammywood”.

“I think it’s time for the Diaspora in California to dream big and begin to monetize the Jamaican culture – our food music and dance.  If you think about it we are all ambassadors for our country, especially its culture which has so influenced the world stage that people are constantly amazed at our geographical size size”, Ambassador Marks said.

Delivering the keynote address at the Jamaica Awareness Association of California (JAAC) 30th anniversary banquet at the airport Marriott hotel, Ambassador Marks said the establishment of “Jammywood” as the seat of Jamaica’s creative industry has the potential to be a big, mega income earning industry.

She said the scope of monetization of our creative industry is potentially lucrative when one considers that in Hollywood there is now demand for greater recognition of diversity.  Jamaican actresses and actors like Madge Sinclair, Sheryl-Lee Ralph and Jeff Gunther Anderson have brought the Jamaican flavor to Hollywood, being trailblazers for others coming behind them.

        “When I speak about the potential for “monetization”, I’m not simply talking about becoming the next famous movie star, but about all areas of filmmaking, directing, producing, documenting and other forms of storytelling.  She said there are sufficient number of people who are interested in the Jamaican culture to warrant taking charge our own destiny and telling our story our way, with authenticity.

        Ambassador Marks told the large audience of Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica that the Jamaican brand is a globally recognized brand.  Our music like Reggae and dancehall, even our movie making have recognized potential.

        The Ambassador added that it’s time we use the creative industries to transform our uniqueness, resiliency, creativity and commitment to turn the best of our culture into real economic opportunities.

        Ambassador Marks emphasized that the key to harnessing our creative industry is an active collaboration between connected members of the Diaspora and our talented local creative industry community.  “We can start by organizing more concerts and tours in the USA, knocking on the doors of studios in Hollywood to do more to incorporate Jamaican culture in productions involving music, dance, fashion and other areas that we are known for including athletics”.

        The establishment of “Jammywood” is possible with hard work and an informed strategic plan of action with people who are willing to participate, support and invest in this vision.

        Ambassador Marks lauded JAAC for their over 30 years of outstanding achievement and contribution to Jamaica. Dr. Lawrence Weeks, Dr. Barnett Grier and Mr. Stepfon Glen were recognized for giving 15 years of service to the organization’s medical mission.

Ambassador Audrey Marks talks about Jamaican Culture in LA
Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States (center) is flanked by Jamaica’s Honorary Consul to Los Angeles, Lorraine Johnson and Jamaica Awareness Association of California (JAAC) 2016 awardees, Stephfon Glenn and Dr, Barnett Grier Jr.

 

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Marks (3rd left) and Medical Practitioner at the Annnotto Bay Hospital Dr. Roy Fraizer pose for a photograph with nurses and other medical personnel from the hospital who attended the 30th anniversary fund raising banquet of the Jamaica Awareness Association of California (JAAC)
Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Marks (3rd left) and Medical Practitioner at the Annnotto Bay Hospital Dr. Roy Fraizer pose for a photograph with nurses and other medical personnel from the hospital who attended the 30th anniversary fund raising banquet of the Jamaica Awareness Association of California (JAAC)

South Florida Caribbean News

The SFLCN.com Team provides news and information for the Caribbean-American community in South Florida and beyond.

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