Snake charmer? This partygoer seems to have bitten off more than she could manage as she played with Gloria, a Jamaica boa, at Xtreme Wet 'n' Wild, a segment of the Red Stripe Dream Weekend held at Kool Runnings Water Park in Negril on Saturday. - Contributed

WESTERN BUREAU:

They might not know the steps to trendy dance moves Nuh Behaviour, Good Life and Digicel, but young overseas-based Jamaicans, eager to embrace the island's culture, are willing to put their best foot forward. And locals had better take advantage - fast.

Members of the diaspora are urging nationals at home to position party events such as Appleton Temptation Isle (ATI) and Red Stripe Dream Weekend - which sparked a 20,000-strong invasion of the Capital of Casual, Negril - as calendar staples to rekindle the interest of overseas-based Jamaicans.

"The diaspora is a sleeping giant in being a strategic partner of Jamaica's national development. Our culture and entertainment industry is a great starting point to inspire more Jamaicans across the world to return home to taste their culture," said attorney-at-law Marlon A. Hill, a member of the Jamaican Diaspora Advisory Board for the United States South.

Role in development

Hill, who told The Gleaner he had observed a growing desire among youths to retrace their roots, added: "As our culture is a critical part of our self-identity, it is also likely that more parents in the diaspora will be looking for more experiences to share their culture with their children."

He believes deejays, sound-system US operators and party promoters should be enlisted in the strategic development of Jamaica's economy.

"When they speak, these young people listen and follow their cultural vibes," said Hill.

The diaspora board member is not the only person who has noticed the potential of the youths.

Dr Carolyn Hayle, senior lecturer at the University of the West Indies, is convinced that tapping the interests of overseas-based young Jamaican business leaders could have a knock-on effect for the local economy.

"In another five years, they are middle managers influencing the decisions made by big corporations," Hayle, who specialises in sustainable tourism development, told The Gleaner.

Hill agrees that the Independence weekend is a prescription of sun, food, entertainment and cultural renewal which will woo the diaspora.

"Negril is one of the primary beneficiary locales of the cultural 'Temptation' and 'Dreams' of thousands of people of Jamaican descent, primarily between the ages of 18 and 40. The draw to this weekend of all the vibes of Jamaican music and entertainment demonstrates the power of Jamaican culture," said Hill.

"It also reinforces the fact that one of the more important remittances to Jamaica is the continuous flow of Jamaicans living overseas not only to catch the vibes, but to also make other significant contributions to the country, such as investments or charitable activities," he added.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com

(From left) Jaymie Bharath, Shae Royes, Camille Findley and Mureka Kelly, who flew in for the Independence weekend of parties in Negril, having fun at Daydreams. - Photo by Janet Silvera