Jamaica, your future is wide open.

For the past five years, while researching Jamaica and the best way for Jamaica’s creative industries to connect with our world and collaborate, I have learned that many of Jamaica’s talent are holding themselves back and missing out on opportunities.

A house divided.

Jamaica is overflowing with talent; we have brilliant creative minds who are entrepreneurs, sporting heroes, musicians, agriculturalists, technologists, and healers.

We have people with ideas that could transform communities, create jobs, build wealth, and inspire the world. And yet, too often, we close doors on ourselves before life has even had the chance to open them.

Too many of us carry a quiet mindset that says:

“I don’t need anyone.”

“I am already established.”

“What can they offer me?”

“How many social media followers do they have?”

This way of thinking is costing Jamaica dearly.

Real power is found in genuine connection and meaningful relationships, which will lead to opportunities and equal legacy.

One honest conversation can change your life and open a new market. A collaboration can create a new business with shared ideas and build something bigger than either person could build alone.

Across Jamaica and the diaspora, people are quietly, steadily, and purposefully building. Some are creating brands, producing films, growing food, developing technology, mentoring young people, building communities and shaping culture.

Many are on similar journeys.

But instead of reaching across and building bridges, too many remain in silos, watching one another, judging one another, competing with one another, or dismissing opportunities because they do not immediately look glamorous.

Collaboration is not a weakness. Community is not a weakness. Learning from others is not a weakness. Starting small is not a weakness. That is how nations grow; Jamaica does not need more ego. Jamaica needs more builders.

People willing to say: How can we work together, share knowledge, create opportunities for others, and lift while we climb?

There is room for all of us to shine, but only if we stop shutting doors on ourselves. Your next opportunity may not come wrapped in status. It may come through a conversation, community, partnership, friendship and a shared vision.

Jamaica, your future is wide open.

Be humble enough to learn, wise enough to collaborate, brave enough to begin, and generous enough to help others rise.

That is how we free Jamaica.

And when Jamaica rises, we will uplift the world.

Free Jamaica and free the world.

And save the planet.

We are in a knowledge-sharing evolution, creating a new world.

Best wishes,

Sherry Collins, I am her.

Jamaican Freedom Fighter, for the people.

Fighting for the creative freedom of the Jamaican peopledem and Pitch Futures, our future creative talent.

I am human. I create from my own visions and ideas, reading culture and the world.™