Sustainable Community Development in Jamaica

For the People, By the People

Apply to Attend the Summit on November 20, 2010

A SUSTAINABLE JAMAICA IS A FUTURE FOR EVERYONE

I Say YES!

Guided by our National Pledge: "Before God and all mankind, I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart, wisdom and courage of mind, the strength and vigor of my body in the service of my fellow citizens; I promise to stand up for justice, Brotherhood and Peace, to work diligently and creatively, to think generously and honestly, so that Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race."

Do you want to explore new ways of earning an income or developing your skills for better job opportunities in your community? Do you want to improve your living conditions and those of your family? Or are you concerned how the community you live in will improve economically, in appearance, and in resident well-being? Are you willing to work together with others? We invite you to participate in developing a shared vision of what a sustainable community looks like.

Whether you are a farmer, market vendor, a fisherman, an informal producer, a teacher, a small business owner, a wealthy property owner, a community leader, or an elected official, everyone’s voice is important to planning future actions toward a more sustainable Jamaica. With your help and ideas we can revive and support past efforts at community development in Portland Parish. We would like to talk with you to gage community interest in this activity, better understand the knowledge you have about the region, and seek your commitment to becoming part of this planning effort. Apply in order to attend the first Blue Lagoon Restoration Summit on Saturday, November 20, 2010 in San San, Portland, Jamaica. The BL Summit Agenda will serve as a forum to evaluate the position held by community leadership and GOJ Ministries, appraise the will of the people, and identify cultural heritage, natural, and human assets that can be leveraged in concert to support the rehabilitation of Jamaican Heritage Tourism in light of “re-branding” ideas and the implementation of certain conventions important to promote the Country’s overall tourism economy. The overall intent of this Summit will be to promote a regional economy that binds communities together and keeps people and place healthy while everyone has the opportunity for making money and living an acceptable quality of life.

Support the initiatives of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust and Portland business and residential communities to develop a long-term bioregional plan that protects the unique aspects of the Parish. Each of us can make the change necessary to create a more sustainable future and community-wide improvement. Your involvement in these activities will be your passport to positive change. We want to hear about what you think the future of your community holds and how you think you might be able to make a difference toward improvement