Dear Fellow Jamaicans,


As you may know, over the past several months I have been providing you with information relating to issues affecting Jamaica and our people as a whole. As I have spoken with many of you, read your emails and your letters, I have been struck by how hungry we all are for a different kind of Jamaica.

So I have spent some time thinking about how I could best advance the cause of change and progress that we so desperately need.

It’s a familiar story: Jamaica, land of our ancestors, land of “wood and water”; so close to our hearts yet riddled with corruption and violent crimes, compounded by our leaders’ obsession with power and greed, and their inability to create opportunities for the willing and able.

The decisions that have been made by our leaders over the years, and the problems that have been ignored, have put our country in a fragile state. Yet it is not the magnitude of our problems that is most disconcerting, but rather the ineffectiveness of our leaders to effect positive change.

But this land we love is not lost, and we win when we decide it is worth fighting for.

Our country is rich in culture; our people are vibrant and full of life. Our relentless and “can’t lose attitude” has served us well in the past, and is proof that we are able to overcome insurmountable odds when we set our hearts and minds to it.

And so what do we do? Well, we need to change our approach. We must come together around our common interests and concerns as Jamaicans. It is not enough to be a spectator on the sidelines.

Change won't happen by itself. A change like this can only be initiated by us; from people in our country and across the globe who believe that there is a better way, and are willing to work for it.

Looking back at our history, I learned that an engaged people working together can accomplish extraordinary things. And in the midst of the enormous challenges we face today, I have great faith and hope about Jamaica’s future – look at the Impact that Jamaicans have made on the rest of the world; whether in the area of sports, music or academic performance.

That is why I wanted to tell you first that I will be commencing activities to explore ways of effecting positive change in Jamaica; ways that will promote cohesive advocacy among Individuals and organizations sharing a common desire of creating sustainable economic and social development.

Hereafter, I will speak with any person concerned with the issues at hand, listening and learning more about the challenges facing Jamaica, any opportunities that may be pursued, and the role that a concerned Jamaican might play in the restoration process.

In the meantime, I want to thank all of you in advance for your time, your suggestions, and your initiative, as the dialogue continues.


One Love
Hansen von Shneir
305-218-2878

Submitted by Jamlink “in support of the things that matter”