Tyrone Reid, Staff Reporter
A MONTH-LONG reduction of up to 40 per cent in Air Jamaica airfares, plus massive campaigning within the diaspora, are among plans to have the island pumping with patriotic fervour for Jamaica Homecoming 2005.
If all goes according to plan, Jamaica should be jumping with jubilation as home-based nationals are joined by a wave of 'proud, patriotic and placard-bearing Jamaicans' from abroad in peace rallies and other planned activities.
Beginning October 1, passengers from destinations within the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States will enjoy between 25 to 40 per cent in discounts on normal fares. The relaxed airfares will be lifted on November 5, 2005.
"We're doing that as part of our sponsorship and as part of our effort to re-energise people to be motivated to actually come down (in) that period," Air Jamaica representative Charles Spence told The Gleaner yesterday during the launch of Jamaica Homecoming at the Hilton Hotel, New Kingston.
PATRIOTIC PUSH
The patriotic push, staged under the banner 'Let's take our country back', is spearheaded by Hands Across Jamaica for Righteousness. The week of activities, including a family day and exposition, is scheduled to run from October 15 to 22. Jamaica Homecoming will begin with a church service at Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville and culminate with a rally and peace concert along Knutsford Boulevard in New Kingston.
There will also be three other regional peace rallies in Mandeville, Port Antonio and Montego Bay.
Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke, patron of the event, officially launched Jamaica Homecoming 2005 yesterday. Sir Howard delivered an impassioned appeal to corporate Jamaica for financial backing.
Dr. Trevor Hamilton, chairman of the Jamaica Homecoming 2005 Committee, said the nationalistic affair "is a call for all Jamaicans from all walks of life to return to their home communities for fellowship and celebration".
However, the chairman emphasised that, amid celebration, serious work must be done.
"You will have two work days for Jamaicans to focus on primary schools ... a major thrust in Homecoming 2005 is to rebuild the primary schools and primary education," he said.
There will also be an event undertaken by various churches across the island on Friday, October 21, called 'Hands and hearts in praise'.
Interested persons should call Air Jamaica reservation office:
In the United Kingdom - 020 857-07999
In Canada and the United States - 1 800 523-5585
Callers need to quote Homecoming 2005 to access the reduced fares.
