Hello to the TB.net community,

We, Katie Loveday, Shauna Murray and Deanne Ziadie-Nemitz have formed a Non-Profit called iJamaica.
iJamaica is a non-profit organization whose mission is to play a vital role in sustainable development of regenerative, resilient communities within Jamaica. iJamaica desires to be a catalyst for long lasting positive growth through environmental, educational, economic and cultural initiatives.

Formed in early 2009 we, Katie Loveday, Shauna Murray and Deanne Ziadie-Nemitz came together as a collective bound by the same experience, passion and dedication to a community known as the Greater Treasure Beach area located in the parish of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica.
Having all visited the area several times we wish to help this special community and other communities throughout Jamaica. We are based in Brooklyn, New York and go back and forth to Jamaica regularly.

"NUH DASH MI AWAY”
Is our first campaign which will focus on reducing the 'scandal' plastic bags in the area using educational campaigns.

All of us were at the last Calabash festival and talked to several community members to get their view on the community's needs. Katie has also just completed 5 months in Treasure Beach helping the TB Women's Group and other community members and researching for the campaign. Deanne and Shauna will be returning to TB in January with another non-profit called Bags for the people to further connect with community members about the campaign.

For more information or to download our supporters package please visit our website (which we are hoping to expand next year;)
www.ijamaica.org

Thank you

You ladies are doing a lot of good in Treasure Beach. I salute you for your accomplishments, and I applaud you for your ambitions.

The best to you on your upcoming "NUH DASH MI AWAY” campaign. This will truly help save sea life in addition to making the community look better.

iJamaica will be sponsoring a gala event on Climate Change at the Royal Sonseta Hotel in Cambridge, Boston on November 1st. Climate Change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. International negotiations will be taking place in Copenhagen in December to put in place a climate treaty to combat climate change. This event is to call for real action in these negotiations. There will be world renowned speakers, great music, delicious food, and spectacular guests. There are special rates for students and government/state employees. Each guest will receive a free handmade tote bag made with recyclable materials from iJamaica and other goodies. Please visit our event page listed below for more information. See attached invitation for all of the details.

BOSTON NIGHT TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE
A benefit for Natural ResourceS Defense Council and OXFAM America
November 1, 2009 – Royal Sonesta, Cambridge
Honorary Co-Chairs: Senator John Kerry and Congressman Ed Markey
www.BostonNighttoCombatClimateChange.org
http://worthycausesinc.eventbrite.com/

Wishing all the best to Katie and the iJamaica crew! Can't wait to be a part of the "Nuh Dash Me Away" campaign! We really need this in Jamaica.

Shopper's Fair now gives us options of using boxes vs. bags which makes me shop there first over any other supermarket. We need to stop the habit of a different bag for just about every item purchased.

A few months ago I started bringing my own bags to the supermarkets. At first everyone looked at me like I had two heads. Now the baggers are starting to tell me of how they are using less scandal bags and encouraging folks to use boxes. A small start, but a start just the same! Together we can make a difference!

Check out the following video regarding scandal bags, it is a real eye opener.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci9PC8s-r2Q&feature=PlayList&p=0DB352473F5B1944&p laynext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=42

Yes Shoppers Fair is hopefully just the beginning! If all of us can say no to bags when shopping anywhere in TB that will also help.

All the best Katie and Co.

This is wonderful stuff, we really need it in Jamaica. This campaign has my support.

Fabulous IJamaica! Will be very interested to hear how your campaign goes...I am hoping to go to Copenhagen by the way - the GOJ has approved my being part of the official delegation, just trying to find funding now. Diana from JET

Congratulations on such a worthy endeavor. It's human beings like you that give us hope. Thanks for favoring our little community.

I think this is a wonderful project that should/could be implemented the world throughout!

I have recently returned from an extensive trip with my daughter to Chile & Easter Island. We took cloth bags with us for our shopping times and food purchases...we were looked at with big eyes too. the "lada" bags are also used there for every little thing! We also noticed a surplus of throw away plastic bags throughout Cuba, China, Hong Kong and Morocco in our travels in the last year or so...it is shocking!

I have noticed in Canada, ever since a 5 cent per bag cost was implemented in all retail and grocery stores, a LOT more people being their own bags. Being that in Jamaica every penny is precious, maybe if the grocery stores in the larger centers started implementing a charge for plastic bags, they would save on their own operating costs as well as help the environment and, people would become in the habit of bringing cloth bags for shopping.

I wish you great success in this project...it REALLY is a great idea!!

Thank you so much for all your well wishes.

In regards to Coralie's suggestions, The majority of customers in Jamaica are aware that bags are being charged for in two ways; they are added onto the final purchase tally at the register (average $4 per bag)or they are added to the price of the goods. People are aware that if they want an extra bag at the supermarket or corner shop they will have to pay form $5-$10 JA. Unfortunately this has not discouraged bag use so far.

Will keep in touch with our progress and thanks again for your support!

I am glad to hear that (about the charge that is). In my years living on the north coast in Jamaica, and in Treasure Beach I don't ever remember being charged for a bag or noticing that the charge was incorporated into the bill. Times are changin' and that's great!!