Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer

Stephens - file

Richie Stephens burst through a large paper banner suited up in the national colours at the Montego Suite, Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, on Tuesday morning with smile and song on his lips, spring and split in his legs and Jamaica on his mind.

He sang Come To Jamaica, a song in support of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, for the first time in public to a swaying audience, the Desi Jones and Friends band providing the music for the patriotic number.

In that audience was chief executive officer of the cricket mega event, Robert Bryan, who earlier at the song's official launch, hosted by Denise Hunt and Rohan Daley, had said "Come To Jamaica really tells a good story of Jamaica and Jamaican hospitality. We hope it will become the theme song of the 'Take Jamaica to Heart' campaign," adding that he hoped the song would continue to energise Jamaicans even after Cricket World Cup.

Just before Stephens sang the chorus the final time on Tuesday morning the music stopped, he encouraged enthusiastic handclaps and sang:

"Come experience the culture, we do it like no other, Jamaica, sweet Jamaica. Come seek the island's treasure, Welcome to Jamaica."

Then came the split before he split.

Miss Jamaica World 2006, Sara Lawrence, arrives with ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 mascot, Mello, at the 'Come to Jamaica' media launch hosted by the Local Organising Committee at the Jamaica Pegaus hotel, yesterday. The theme song 'Come to Jamaica' is produced and arranged by Richie Stephens. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

It was not the end of the dancing, though, as Mello the furry Cricket World Cup mascot danced his way up to the stage in a set of moves choreographed by Bert Rose, where he was joined by Miss Jamaica World 2006 Sarah Lawrence, who quickly caught the drift of the dance.

Lawrence had also figured, literally and figuratively, in the other major presentation at the brief ceremony, as Bryan removed his glasses to carefully place a pin on her national dress as the band played One Love.

It was the first of hopefully many that will be bought by Jamaicans at $250 each, Bryan noting that they are being sold at cost price in the 'Get Pinned' campaign'.

The pin, a huge picture of which was unveiled by Lawrence and Bryan, combines national pride and cricket, and Bryan urged all to "get pinned today, and say 'Welcome to Jamaica' with pride."