Marlon Hill (Southern United States) Patrick Beckford (NE United States)

Wayland Richards (Midwest United States) Sharon Abrahams (Canada)

Derek Douglas (United Kingdom) Jamaican Diaspora

Hotline - (786) 349-2584; (876) 621-0102 (Jamaica) info@jamaicadiaspora.org

info@iamjamaica.org

F O R I M M E D I A T E R E L E A S E

“I AM JAMAICA” CAMPAIGN CALLS FOR

POSITIVE ACTION AND ACCOUNTABILITY Reggae Artists Band Together in Support of the Movement

July 14, 2010 – United States/Canada/United Kingdom – The “I AM JAMAICA” Campaign will premiere simultaneously in Jamaica, USA, Canada, UK and other locations around the world with the international premier of the theme song, music video and Declaration signing on Saturday, July 17, 2010 through to Sunday, August 14, 2010. The “I AM JAMAICA” campaign, an initiative of the Jamaican Diaspora, calls on all Jamaicans, at home and abroad, celebrities, community leaders, artists, entertainers, entrepreneurs and others, to encourage a sense of personal responsibility, to inspire each other in embracing our talents and resources as a burgeoning global community for the upliftment and prosperity of our youth, and to evoke an emotional connection of hope, positive vibes, prosperity, oneness, and all other core qualities of ‘Brand Jamaica’ among Jamaicans worldwide. The campaign encourages Jamaicans to elevate their level of communication and collaboration in addressing issues of national interest. The campaign also encourages the support of law and order in the society and implores a sense of personal accountability for re-socializing the mindset of the nation, at home and abroad. The spine of the campaign is a Declaration for Change and Accountability which supporters are asked to sign, uphold and share with others. An official “I AM JAMAICA” theme song featuring several reggae veterans has been produced to convey the message of the campaign and mobilize the community with the realization that music moves people. The reggae artists include Hopeton Lindo, Shaggy, Freddie McGregor, Marcia Griffiths, Courtney John, Peter Gee, Sophia Brown and Anthony Cruz. Accompanying the theme song is the official “I AM JAMAICA” music video. The video, directed by Lukkee Chong and Max Earle of Frame by Frame Productions, was filmed in various locations throughout South Florida and Jamaica and features the contributing vocalists, scenes from the Jamaican landscape and people of the Diaspora supporting the mission of the campaign.

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Today’s leading social media platforms will be used to further the campaign’s mission and galvanize the Diaspora. In addition to the “I AM JAMAICA” web site, www.IAMJAMAICA.org, supporters can follow the campaign’s progress on Twitter at www.twitter.com/IAMJAMAICA2 or join the “I AM JAMAICA” Fan page on Facebook at http://bit.ly/IAMJA-FB. The campaign has also arranged for a custom YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/user/IAMJAMAICA2, provided to the community as a platform to upload their personal thoughts and offer suggestions and solutions, via video response, on issues pertaining to the upliftment of the Jamaican community at home and abroad. Over a four week period leading up to August 6th, Jamaica’s Independence Day, supporters and members of the Diaspora will be asked to sign the “I AM JAMAICA” Declaration for Positive Action and Accountability, to spread the mission of the campaign and to upload campaign response videos. “This campaign is for the people of Jamaica,” said Marlon Hill, Jamaican Diaspora Advisory Board member for the Southern United States. “We want to remind the Jamaican Diaspora and the world that we are a people of conviction, strength and resourcefulness, who by love for and faith in each other and in our youth can find solutions that will help drive Jamaica as a global brand destined for sustainable prosperity.” “Music is the common language of our people for generations,” noted Hopeton Lindo, reggae artist and executive producer of the theme song. “At this point in our history, we need to bring back the positive vibes in our music and in our daily actions. The time is right to give each other one love with one heart, whether we are home or abroad.”

---- ABOUT THE DIASPORA: The Jamaican Diaspora includes all Jamaican nationals and persons of Jamaican heritage, their family and friends, who reside overseas around the world. The Jamaican Diaspora Movement is a historic opportunity to unite and galvanize all Jamaicans, their talents, resources, and potential throughout the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and around the world for the benefit of their local communities and the future development and support of the national interests of Jamaica. For more information on the Jamaican Diaspora call: (786)349-2584, (876) 621-0102 in Jamaica, facsimile: (786) 551-0785 or email: info@jamaicadiaspora.org or info@iamjamaica.org.

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Photo Caption 1 Shaggy, Sophia Brown, and Hopeton Lindo (From L-R) Photo Caption 2 Freddie McGregor, Marcia Griffiths, and Hopeton Lindo (From L-R) Photo Caption 3 Lukkee Chong, Kim Yamaguchi, Marcia Griffiths, Gilmore "Gilly" Walters, Freddie McGregor, Young Lion, Hopeton Lindo, King Banton, Kelliann McDonald, Marlon Hill , and Barron Channer (From L-R)

DECLARATION FOR POSITIVE ACTION AND ACCOUNTABILITY

WE acknowledge and believe: v Jamaica is a leading contributor to the global culture and economy;

v Jamaica has welcomed millions of visitors to its pristine sands, majestic mountains, and

vibrant culture; v Jamaica has endeavored to maintain law and order at all levels of society for decades;

v The people of Jamaica are the most important resource in the promotion and support of the

brand and destination of Jamaica; As a Jamaican (or person of Jamaican descent) living at home or residing abroad, I, ________________, acknowledge the above and pledge to commit to the following actions: v I shall not condone or engage in any actions or behavior that is counter to maintaining law

and order in my community; v I shall commit to participation in and support of volunteer or community service activities and

initiatives that uplift communities to their greatest potential for Jamaica’s social and economic benefit;

v I shall support the defense and law enforcement forces in ensuring law and order in various

communities; v I shall accept responsibility for all my actions and expect accountability from all others,

including our political, business, cultural, and faith leadership; and v I shall resolve any conflict in a peaceful manner and treat others with respect;

v I shall pursue justice and truth with equity, fairness, and trust;

v I shall recommit myself to purposeful change and transformation in Jamaica by taking

personal responsibility for sustainable national development to the benefit of ALL JAMAICANS by holding the nation's political and business leadership accountable to do the same.

My name is _________________________, I pledge the above and I AM JAMAICA.