SANDRA MORGAN, marketing manager for the Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS), has pledged her organisation's support for the Hands Across Jamaica for Righteousness programme which is seeking to bring about 26,000 Jamaicans back to the island between October 17 and 23 for what has been dubbed the "biggest homecoming ever". The event, which is being promoted and co-ordinated by Yvonne O. Coke, has been targeting Jamaicans living primarily in Europe, Canada and the United States.
"Such an initiative is in keeping with what we believe is our corporate responsibility to assist programmes which will benefit our nation, not only in the short term, but over the long term", Mrs. Morgan said
In keeping with this commitment, VMBS sponsored the first in a series of worldwide launches of "HANDS" on March 20 this year at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at the JFK International Airport, Jamaica, Queens, New York. It took the form of a breakfast forum and panel discussion, under the theme "Raise The Standard and Change The Nation For a Crime-Free Jamaica". Moderator was the Hon. Barbara Gloudon, journalist, playwright and communications consultant.
In a press release today, Mrs. Morgan said VMBS has long recognised that the economic climate in Jamaica has to be safe so as to attract both local and international investors. "VMBS, which is celebrating its 125th year of operations, is cognisant of the fact that its success depends on the prosperity of the nation. So the feeling of insecurity and lawlessness permeating the nation at this time cannot augur well for the growth and development of its people", she said.
"The present level of crime has put this nation's children in jeopardy, so too the business community. So as a business leader we feel compelled to support initiatives like the Hands Across Jamaica for Righteousness project, which is a Jamaican movement anchored on Christian principles, dedicated to restoring the nation to the moral and spiritual standards, enshrined in our motto, anthem and pledge", Mrs. Morgan continued.
The launch of the programme in Jamaica took place recently at Devon House at which representatives of a number of the sponsoring bodies were in attendance. At that event, Mrs. Coke said the homecoming would see thousands of returning residents visiting the areas in which they grew up and being involved in projects aimed at improving the living conditions of the residents there. "Our aim is to join hands in prayer while we work with indigent communities across Jamaica to meet their greatest needs", said Mrs. Coke, who is a promoter, motivational speaker and author of the book "Eternal Father Bless Our Land", an autobiography of Father Hugh Sherlock, who penned the National Anthem and Pledge.
