Jamaican Diaspora: Dunns River Falls

THE RETURN OF DIASPORA Rewriting Jamaica’s Narrative and Shaping Its Future

JAMAICANS ARE INFLUENCERS IMPACTING THE WORLD THROUGH CULTURE!

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

Destination

Dunns River Falls

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Contents

What we are about

Departments

Features

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HEALTH BENEFITS OF SORREL

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The Return of Diaspora: Rewriting Jamaica’s Narrative And Shaping Its Future

Book Club

08 Cinema Scene Destination: 11

Dunns River Falls

Musical Notes: 14 16

Marcia Barrett NIGY BOY

Recipe Corner: 18

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Jamaicans are influencers impacting the world thro

The Future Of Creative Work In Jamaica: Bolstering Our Creative Sector for Economic Growth Leadership Excellence

Ginger Beer

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Editor’s Note Your mind is a powerful thing. When you fill it with positive thoughts. Your life will start to change. Everything begins in the mind before it can become a physical reality.

The photo taken by a photographer, the song that the musicians sing, even the building that an architecture builds are all created mentally; therefore, it is vital to say positive things to yourself. Remember it is an inside job.

Say these phrases daily and watch what happens: • • • • • • • • • • •

I believe I can create a prosperous life.

I believe I do it while living to my true design.

I believe I am here to have a grand life adventure.

I believe abundance is my divine right.

I do not believe I should ever feel limited by money or by love.

I believe I can be amazingly happy.

I believe that the low-level sadness that dogs me, is optional.

I believe I can have work that feels like play and that fulfils me.

I believe I can be full of energy all the time.

I do not believe the Divine withholds things from me.

I believe that I am capable of achieving goals.

Janice K. Maxwell Editor in chief

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Dame Neslyn

Moken Marsai

Dr. Ava Eagle Brown

Wendy Laroche

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Book Club

Contributors

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Cinema Scene Jamaican Flix Our images our culture

www.JamaicanFlix.com

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DESTINATION: DUNNS RIVER FALLS

The waterfalls are naturally terraced like giant natural stairs. Several small lagoons are interspersed among the vertical sections of the falls. The falls empty into the Caribbean Sea at the western end of a white-sand beach. Climbing the waterfalls is a popular tourist activity and is often, but not exclusively, performed with the help of tour guides from the park.

It takes about 1-1.5 hours to climb with short breaks for photographs and video recordings taken by the guides. There are also stairs alongside of the falls for those who do not want to get wet or are unable to manage the rocky, uneven terrain of the actual waterfall. The falls are bordered by lush, green vegetation that shades the area from the sun and keeps the area, and climbers, cool. The climb can be relatively hard so is often undertaken as a hand-holding human chain led by a guide to make it easier. In addition to the falls, a park has developed where there is an area for zip-lining, a kids splash pad, and a merchandise area.

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Musical Notes

Marcia Barrett At the age of 13, Barrett left her homeland of Jamaica and moved to Croydon, England, where she joined her mother to continue her education. Though her beginnings were humble, Barrett’s passion for music soon began to shine. By the age of 18, she was already pursuing a career as a performer, a dream she continued to nurture when she moved to Germany at 19.

In Germany, she found her footing as a solo artist, touring the country and gaining recognition for her dynamic stage presence. She became affectionately known as “Marcia from Jamaica” and was given the titles “The Chocolate Beauty” and “The Firework from Jamaica” by her German audience. These early years laid the foundation for her future with Boney M.

In 1975, Barrett was invited to join Boney M., a new project formed by record producer Frank Farian.

Initially created to perform disco hits on television, the group quickly found itself thrust into the spotlight.

Boney M.’s breakthrough came after a performance on the German TV show Musikladen in 1976, where they performed their hit single “Daddy Cool.” From that moment, Boney M. became a global phenomenon.

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Although Boney M. featured four members, it was Marcia Barrett and fellow Jamaican Liz Mitchell who provided the vocals behind the group’s most famous tracks. Their collaboration resulted in a series of hits like “Belfast”, “Rasputin,” “Ma Baker,” “Sunny,” and “Mary’s Boy Child,” many of which topped charts around the world.

Today, Marcia Barrett lives in Berlin with her husband, Marcus James, a Jamaican guitarist she has collaborated with throughout her career. Though she has faced numerous challenges, her love for music and performing remains undimmed.

Barrett continues to tour and work on new projects, promising to bring her unique brand of disco and soul to fans old and new.

Nigy Boy Jamaican Diaspora

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NIGY BOY The story of Nigel Hector Jr. is more than a mere story; it’s a vivid chronicle of human resilience, a symphony of triumphs that resonate with the collective heartbeat of those who dare to dream. Nigy Boy defied a challenging start. His unwavering spirit propelled him from overcoming early obstacles to becoming a global reggae/dancehall star. Nigy Boy (born Nigel Hector Jr.) is a quickly rising star in reggae and dancehall music.

Overcoming blindness at a young age, his passion for music only grew stronger. He honed his talent at The Salvation Army School for the Blind before migrating to the US and pursuing a political science degree at Stony Brook University. Despite his academic ambitions, music remained his true calling. Nigy Boy, graduated from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, double majoring in Political Science and History.

Miracle baby Nigy Boy, aka Nigel Hector, whose mom was given the damning diagnosis by doctors in 2001 that her soon-to-be-born son would not survive outside of the womb, has not only survived but has thrived, even going viral on social media as a

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singer. Beyond the lights, the applause, and the accolades lies the essence of Nigy Boy’s journey – his perpetual resilience, his relentless quest for self-expression, his mission to carry Dancehall to the world, and his deeprooted desire to impact the world positively. Nigel Hector Junior’s narrative is not just a chronicle of overcoming adversity; it’s a beacon for anyone who has faced the abyss and dared to dream.

In his melodies, we find the courage to confront our challenges, rise above our

circumstances, and embrace the beauty of our unique journeys. As Nigy Boy continues to carve his legacy in music and beyond, his life remains a personification of resilience, a journey that will inspire generations to come, a reminder that no dream is too distant and no obstacle too daunting, for the heart that dares to soar.

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R e c ipe Corner

Ginger Beer Ingredients • • • • • •

1 lb. Fresh ginger root roughly chopped 10 cups hot water 3-5 whole cloves 1/3 cup fresh lime juice 1 to 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar 2 tbsp Rum optional

Instructions • In a large blender add all the ginger and 5 cups of hot water. Blend very well and strain the liquid from the pulp into a large bowl.

Squeeze the pulp until you have gotten all the liquid out.

• Place the pulp back into the blender and repeat the steps above with the remaining 5 cups of hot water.

• Add the cloves and let the liquid steep for at least 4 hours to overnight in the fridge.

• Strain again, then add the lime juice, brown sugar (to taste) and the optional rum. Stir until all of the sugar has dissolved.

• Serve in a glass that is filled with ice. Keep the rest in large bottles and store in fridge.

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HEALTH BENEFITS OF SORREL

Sorrel drink is a festive beverage in Jamaica that is consumed mainly during the Christmas time along with the Jamaican fruit cake. However, while this fascinating perennial herb is cultivated all over the world for a wide variety of purposes, in Jamaica, sorrel is primarily used as a beverage. But there are many health benefits associated with our favorite Christmas drink. Here are some remarkable and surprising ways drinking sorrel can have a positive effect on your health.

According to the Scientific Research Council (SRC), sorrel contains a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals. But it is a group of compounds called Flavonoids which not only give its deep red color but acts as a powerful antioxidant which scavenges the body of free radicals that can cause deadly diseases.

Research at Jamaica’s Northern Caribbean University has revealed that sorrel could kill certain types of cancer cells. Again, this is due to the high levels of Flavonoids that work as a deterrent against certain kinds of cancer. Sorrel is used as a diuretic in India, Africa and Mexico and has benefits for kidney health when ingested daily.

According to the Jamaica Gleaner, in some parts of Africa the red calyx of the sorrel is used to relieve coughs, while the leaves are made into a poultice to relieve boils and abscesses. Sorrel has been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering bad cholesterol and helping to prevent clogged arteries. As a plant with significant amounts of Vitamin A, sorrel can help to improve poor eyesight and prevent agerelated ocular degeneration.

Ingesting sorrel regularly helps to optimize the body’s immune system and prevent illness due to its high Vitamin C content. Sorrel also has significant levels of iron which helps improve circulation throughout the body by boosting red blood cell production and oxygen levels in vital organs.

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music) and you will see similarities in dialect, cuisine, and social expressions. The music is a huge factor that brings the Jamaican people together.

Features

Jamaicans are influencers impacting the world through culture!

Whether you were born in Jamaica and living in another country such as America, or born in another country with Jamaican parents and ancestry, you are part of the dispersed population known as the Jamaican diaspora. Wherever you live, the culture of Jamaica is strong! Those living in America are also known as “Jamericans”, a combination of two countries. This is common for Jamaica, as Jamaican culture is a mixture of the influence of many different countries.

known to God” (Philippians 4:6-7) or “When I am afraid, I put my trust in the Lord.” (Psalm 56:3). These are only a few examples of how various scriptures in the Bible can provide an internal peace that transcends all understanding. While Jamaica has people who worship from all religions (Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Rastafarianism) Most Jamaican people have a strong religious beliefs anchored in Christianity. The Jamaican National Anthem speaks to that history love for God with the following words: “Eternal Father bless our land, Guard us with Thy Mighty Hand, Keep us free from evil powers, Be our light through countless hours. To our Leaders, Great Defender, Grant true wisdom from above. Justice, Truth be ours forever, Jamaica, Land we love.”

The Jamaican story of striving for freedom, hope, love, kindness, survival are expressed most notably in the music of various artists such as Bob Marley. These influences are easily recognizable, just like the Jamaican flag of black, gold and green. Black depicts the strength and creativity of the people; Gold, the natural wealth and beauty of sunlight; and green, hope and agricultural resources. The Jamaican Diaspora are the representatives of Jamaica, spreading a love of the culture to all parts of the world. Those unable to visit the mainland are able to experience the influences by being in the company of Jamaicans in their respective communities established in various countries around the world but mostly in the United States, the UK, or Canada. The concept of “One Love” holds true whether in Jamaica or in the Bible. Jamaicans know that love is what brings us all together and in the Bible love is the greatest commandment of all.

THE INNATE CULTURE OF JAMAICANS EXPANDS BEYOND THE BORDER OF THE COUNTRY

Starting with the Arawak Indians, also known as Tainos, inhabiting the land before Christopher Columbus and other Europeans arrived on the island and began the transatlantic slave trade by transporting Africans to work as slaves on the sugar cane plantations Jamaicans are a strong population that goes beyond the realms of physical strength. Common phrases such as “No problem” or “Don’t worry” symbolizes the nature of the Jamaican heritage. In other words, “Take it Easy” things happen but “Don’t worry yourself”, all having similarities to the teaching within the Bible. Various scriptures in the Bible address how God can allay our fears and anxieties.

Scriptures such as, “Do not worry or have anxiety but through prayer and petition make your wants

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Jamaica holds the Guinness Book of World records for the most churches per square mile. The innate culture of Jamaicans expands beyond the border of the country. Wherever they go, they take their culture with them. For example, the Jamaica Diaspora isn’t defined by where Jamaicans live but their pride in where they came from!

This concept is easy to grasp for Christian believers.

The Bible says that believers are in this world but not of this world. This translates to something bigger than

current situations, environments or circumstances.

These sentiments apply to the Jamaican diaspora, who are thankful for the opportunity to live outside the mainland but remain influenced by the culture that is deep rooted within.

Jamaicans carry their culture wherever they go!

Roots and culture, another common phrase heard within Jamaican households consists of social norms, values, and lifestyles that define the people of Jamaica.

Visit any town outside of Jamaica that has Jamaican influences (i.e residents, businesses, restaurants,

Written by Wendy Laroche

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The Return of Diaspora:

REWRITING JAMAICA’S NARRATIVE AND SHAPING ITS FUTURE In recent years, there has been a significant influx of returnees to Jamaica, a trend that reflects a growing appreciation for the island’s unique charm and potential. This wave of returnees is not only a testament to Jamaica’s enduring appeal but also a powerful way to counter negative stereotypes that sometimes paint the country as a place to avoid. Instead, the narrative is shifting, highlighting Jamaica as a vibrant, promising destination with boundless opportunities. The reasons for this return are varied.

By providing these creative individuals with a stage to present their work, we are nurturing their growth and ensuring that their voices are heard on both local and international stages.

Many individuals from the Jamaican diaspora are drawn back by the island’s rich cultural heritage, the warmth of its people, and the opportunity to contribute to its development. This renewed connection to Jamaica allows returnees to leverage their international experiences and perspectives, enriching the local landscape and fostering growth. As someone who made this journey myself, I am proud to have contributed to this positive shift through the establishment of the Black River Film Festival- https:// blackriverfilmfestival.com/. The festival’s inaugural staging was a resounding success, drawing a diverse audience from the UK and North America, and showcasing Jamaica’s vibrant film industry.

Renowned actors and actresses such as Marcos James – Games of Thrones, Julie Mango -Comedian, Sundra Oakley – CSI Miama and Bob Marley One Love Biopic, and Cornelius Grant – One Love Biopic just to list a few attended, lending their support and helping to elevate the festival’s profile. The Black River Film Festival is more than just a celebration of film; it is a platform for emerging young talents who will shape the next generation of storytellers. By providing these creative individuals with a stage to present their work,

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that Jamaica has to offer.

we are nurturing their growth and ensuring that their voices are heard on both local and international stages.

As we prepare for the next edition of the festival, my goal is to expand our audience base further and continue showcasing the incredible talent

Despite the challenges Jamaica faces, like any country, it remains one of the most beautiful and grounding places on Earth. Here, I feel a deep sense of connection and belonging, as if the land itself will catch me if I fall. In celebrating the influx of returnees and the positive impact we bring, we rewrite Jamaica’s narrative and highlight the island’s true essence—a place of beauty, creativity, and boundless potential.

Written by Dr. Ava Eagle Brown www.AvaEagleBrown.com

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Establishing state-of-the-art music schools and creative academies can nurture emerging talent and provide them with the skills needed for global success. Investing in creative hubs, well-equipped studios, and accessible training programs will provide the foundation needed for artists to thrive.

THE FUTURE OF CREATIVE WORK IN JAMAICA Bolstering Our Creative Sector for Economic Growth

Jamaica’s creative sector is on the brink of transformation, poised to become a major driver of economic growth through innovation, investment, and strategic planning. As we emerge from the pandemic, the potential of our cultural and creative industries (CCI) to reshape the economy has never been clearer.

This article explores Jamaica’s creative sector, its current challenges, and the necessary steps to unlock its full potential.

Financial Challenges for Independent Creatives

Despite the vibrancy and talent within Jamaica’s creative community, many practitioners face significant financial difficulties. Research by Nordicity and the Jamaica Business Development Corporation reveals that 49% of creatives work independently in the informal economy. Alarmingly, 71% earn less than J$1 million annually, and 95% earn under J$4 million per year, placing many in the “working poor” category.

The pandemic worsened these issues, with a J$26 billion revenue loss in the entertainment sector in July 2023, impacting 76,000 creatives. Addressing these challenges requires national planning and investment to support independent creatives.

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Embracing Technological Innovation

Technology is revolutionizing creative industries worldwide, and Jamaica is no exception. Digital tools and platforms are enabling creators to reach global audiences and enhance their work. Encouraging the use of advanced software, AI, and digital platforms can help Jamaican artists stay competitive internationally.

For instance, digital mixed media, as demonstrated by artists like Moken Marsai, merges traditional art forms with digital enhancements, creating unique and globally appealing works. Embracing these innovations can enhance creative outputs and open new revenue streams through digital sales, virtual exhibitions, and online collaborations.

Strengthening Creative Education

A robust education system that prioritizes the arts is essential for nurturing Jamaica’s future creatives.

Integrating art, music, and digital media into school curriculums from an early age and offering specialized programs and scholarships can cultivate a skilled and innovative workforce. Collaborations between

educational institutions and industry professionals can provide practical experience and mentorship.

Workshops, internships, and creative residencies can bridge the gap between education and professional practice, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the creative sector.

Imagining a Thriving Creative Jamaica

Jamaica, renowned as the home of Bob Marley and the birthplace of reggae, has a legacy to build upon.

Establishing state-of-the-art music schools and creative academies can nurture emerging talent and provide them with the skills needed for global success.

Investing in creative hubs, well-equipped studios, and accessible training programs will provide the foundation needed for artists to thrive. A critical gap remains the lack of infrastructure to support young talent. To encourage creativity, we must first ensure artists have the resources to develop their skills.

Investing in creative hubs and providing the necessary tools and equipment are vital for the sector’s growth.

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Expanding Beyond Entrepreneurship

To support artists fully, we need to develop a robust job market within the creative sector, offering stable career paths and opportunities for collaboration.

Government and private sector partnerships can create job opportunities within cultural institutions, media companies, and tech firms that value creative input.

The Economic Potential of the Creative Sector

Jamaica’s creative sector contributed US$2.2 billion to the economy in 2019, highlighting its potential as a growth driver. The sector encompasses music, film, fashion, and digital media, all of which can attract international investment and tourism. Investing in the creative industries can stimulate job creation, drive innovation, and foster cultural identity, leading to a more dynamic and resilient economy.

Infrastructure and Business Acumen For the creative sector to flourish, investment in infrastructure and business acumen is crucial. This includes building state-of-the-art facilities, providing access to cutting-edge technology, and fostering an environment that encourages creativity and innovation. Additionally, creatives need support in developing business skills, from marketing their work to managing finances and navigating intellectual property rights.

One Artist’s Vision

Moken Marsai exemplifies the potential of integrating creative skills with innovative business models. Her vision includes developing the Caribbean’s first art and technology city. Marsai will be pursuing a Master’s in Global Innovation Design and Creative Leadership to further her impact. Through her businesses, Mawu Art and Synclair Studio, she explores using technology to create repeatable processes that will assist other creatives.

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Conclusion

The future of creative work in Jamaica is promising but requires a concerted effort from both the public and private sectors. By embracing innovation, supporting creative education, and investing in infrastructure, Jamaica can bolster its creative sector and drive economic growth. The creative industries hold the promise of enriching our economy, cultural identity, and quality of life for all Jamaicans.

Written by Moken Marsai Principal of Mawu Art www.mawuart.com Sources: Jamaica Gleaner - “Growth & Jobs | Creative Industries Driving Growth in Jamaica” Jamaica Observer - “The Orange Economy: The Next Frontier for the Caribbean” Jamaica Information Service - “Creative Sector Generates USD 2.2 Billion in Earnings” Caribbean Development Bank - “Creative Economy Mapping Report” Do Happy Independent Creatives Exist in Jamaica?

By Moken Marsai, Principal of Mawu Art Jamaican Diaspora

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Leadership Excellence Entrepreneurs and business are experiencing rapid change and more than ever leadership excellence is essential. Among the changes are: new patterns of delivering service, demands for quality and value for money; increasing levels of technology, intensifying competition, growing ecological awareness, high expectations of work, demographic changes – 20 million people were refugees worldwide in 2015, in 2024 the total number of refugees worldwide exceeded 50 million for the first time since World War 11, reconfiguration of economies changing political interventions – more than 1.5 billion people still live in fragile and conflict affected countries (United Nations, news and media); inflation and recession reports indicate that the global economy could be on the verge of a once in a generation transformation. By 2030, more than half of the worlds extreme poor will live in countries characterized by fragility, conflict and violence (FCV) World Bank 2020.

The effect of the changes is that most entrepreneurs and business are expected to exercise leadership excellence and cope with changes, whilst facing uncertainty and huge pressures. Leadership excellence is required to steer entrepreneurial innovations and business to grow and develop during such turbulence and to achieve their goals and vision.

So, what is leadership?

Beacon Organizational Development recognize that leadership is a much-debated concept, and people’s perceptions will be influenced by the constructions that they have and the values that they ascribe to leadership.

We believe that leadership is about enabling others to be their best, best in skills and expertise, best in providing and developing a service, best in creating value and serving customers. Leadership excellence is grounded in valuing people, creating diverse teams and harnessing diverse skills to bring about innovation and excellence in product development, sales, marketing, service delivery and customer care.

Furthermore, the way you are (in other words your being) as a leader will be influenced by your personality, values and your view of the world. The literature on leadership abounds with leadership styles and types. Your leadership style has an important bearing on how you create a climate in which people can grow and offer value. Hence it is important for you as the leader (whether you are leading your family, a team of people or your business) to be aware of your being – who you are?

How you show up, (by that I mean the way you occur to others) matters, so consider – Are you communicating in such a way that you inspire, influence, and draw people to you? Or are you tying people up in knots and driving them away from you?

To become an even more outstanding leader you need

to analyze your leadership style and determine the scope and capacity of your leadership, underpinned by emotional intelligence. How are you building the leadership of your children, family members, your team members and the staff within your business? Are you leading your life so that you are giving attention to what matters most to your clients and the service that you provide?

Do you know your leadership style?

Manfred Kets de Vries describes eight Archetypes of Leadership – namely, the strategist, the change catalyst, the transactor, the builder, the innovator, the processor, the coach and the communicator. Deeper Dive into leadership is provided by Lumina Learning – Lumina leader gives inspiration on leading with vision, leading through people, leading with drive and leading to deliver. Contact accredited practitioner neslyn@ beaconorganisationaldevelopment.com for assessment and deeper understanding.

Here, we offer a working definition of leadership:

Which of the aforementioned styles best fit you?

Leadership is the willingness to be in service to generate transformation to create an environment and the space for people to perform at their best.

An important key to successful leadership is to know how, when and how much of a particular style is needed at specific points and in specific situation.

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When is it important for you to lead with vision?

When to lead through people and with drive to maximize performance?

It is equally important that you know how to build your team so that vision and strategy, creativity and innovation, assessment and development, analysis of performance and execution of strategy, systems and procedures, product and service standards, measurements and quality control, change catalyst and negotiation are all covered in a balanced way within your team.

Written by: Dame Neslyn www.BeaconOrganisationalDevelopment.com Jamaican Diaspora

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www.CannabisJamaican.com

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