South Florida Jamaican Diaspora to launch it’s participation of “Jamaica Homecoming 2005” – ‘Let’s Take Our Country Back’

The Jamaican Diaspora-Southern United States will launch their participation of “Jamaica Homecoming 2005” this Friday, September 16, at Sierra Norwood Church 495 NW 191 St. Miami at 6:00pm, hosted by Consul General, Ricardo Allicock. Mrs. Yvonne Coke of Hands Across Jamaica will be the guest speaker at the launch.

A call to become part of the solution

Jamaica Homecoming 2005 is a call for Jamaicans from home and abroad to return to their home communities for fellowship and celebration, to help with practical projects and sow seeds of hope for a better future in their homeland. Under the theme, “Let’s Take Our Country Back”, the focus of the activities will be where it matters most – our families and communities.

Jamaica Homecoming was developed in response to the need to reclaim Jamaica from the negative forces of crime and violence by helping to restore sound values and attitudes and taking a stand for “justice, brotherhood and peace”. Everyone has a part to play in this process of rebuilding, renewing and restoring families and communities.

The core events of the Homecoming will take place against a backdrop of regional rallies, exhibitions and expositions, cultural, sporting, educational and religious activities as well as workshops to enhance Jamaica’s social, cultural, moral and spiritual values. The Week will culminate in a Grand “Rally for Jamaica” in Kingston.

Special emphasis will be placed on highlighting the principles of our National Motto, Anthem and Pledge, the MAP for Jamaica, that speaks to thinking “generously and honestly” and working “diligently and creatively” for the good of the nation.

The major goals of Jamaican Homecoming 2005 are:
– To encourage Jamaicans to return to their home communities to celebrate and do their part in nation-building

– To promote the principles outlined in Jamaica’s Motto, Anthem and Pledge (MAP) as a means of transforming the nation’s values

– To promote patriotism for Jamaica in order to encourage loyalty, service and investment in the nation

– To encourage Jamaicans (local and overseas) to invest in the environmental and economic development of Jamaica, as well as its cultural and spiritual values

– To focus on the development of Primary School capacity building. This project seeks to encourage persons and organizations to contribute in any way to enhancing primary schools across the island, for example by donating books, building playfields, doing repairs, donating material for uniforms etc.

Jamaica Homecoming is an initiative of Hands Across Jamaica For Righteousness.

Getting Involved

– Access information on Jamaica Homecoming activities by visiting their website at www.jamaicahomecoming.net

– Identify and plan for specific projects you would like to become involved with

– Register your projects at the Homecoming Secretariat by calling 876-920-6769 or through your local Parish Committee. You can also register online at www.jamaicahomecoming.net

– Clear your diary over the period and plan to be in your home community

– Contact family and friends at home and abroad and encourage their participation

– Plan your own family, Church, school or community reunion