Shanna Smith’s* family had only re-united for a few years, after being apart for many more, when her eldest sister decided to make a leap to the frigid climes of the United Kingdom.
Their father had emigrated many years before, which split the four sisters and they moved in different directions, as they sought to build their own lives as young adults. They migrated to different parishes, but after a few years, they found themselves back under one roof, led by the family matron, affectionately called ‘Mama’.
They had good Christmases together as a family, as they bonded again over the years; however, not satisfied with the economic climate in Jamaica, Ms Smith’s eldest sister yearned for better and decided, similar to her father, that emigration was best.
On the dreaded day of September 11, 2001, which we now know as the 911 terrorist attack on the United States, she boarded her flight to England.
“We were so frightened for her and we kept calling to ensure she was alright,” recalled Shanna, although the strike was on the US and not the United Kingdom, on that tragic day.
The expense and long flight to travel back to Jamaica, meant the siblings would not see their eldest sister for a long time, although they stayed in touch by phone and using, what were then the emerging social media platforms, such as Hi 5 and My Space, in the years to come.
Then in Christmas 2005, they got a glimpse of their sister again. She had popped into the JN Representative Office in London to record a ‘greeting’ to her family, which was broadcast across Jamaica in the popular Christmas prime time feature, Greetings Across the World (GATW).
“It felt so good to see her in person, after so many years,” Ms Smith said. “It was especially touching for our mother, who really missed her.”
“It’s moments like those that propel us to continue,” remarked producer of the feature, Krystia Royes.
The feature was created by her father, a film maker with his own production company, in 1987. It emerged from his own longing for home in Jamaica, after emigrating many years before.
“He went to school in England and he was there by himself. Although he was with other people from the Caribbean, he was missing home. He told me a story about how his mother would sit and listen to the radio and the greetings that would come across at times. But in those days when people emigrated, they barely saw each other, so he thought it would be great if they could actually see, not just hear each other,” Royes related.
“It took off from there and Jamaica National got involved and remains our partner 34 years later,” she continued.
The effort was a natural fit, Leon Mitchell, General Manager, The Jamaica National Group, who played an integral part in the establishment of JN’s representative offices in the United Kingdom, Canada and the US in those early years said, given the organisation’s strong relationship and thrust to foster Jamaica’s connection with its Diaspora.
“It was a unique way to keep families and friends connected, most of whom had not seen each other in many years; and as the organisation helping to maintain those relationships, we saw it as a means of further strengthening that movement,” Mr Mitchell said.
The show, which traditionally showcased Jamaicans overseas simply sending greetings to their loved ones in Jamaica on screen, remains popular at Christmas time and is aired throughout December to early January.
COVID Christmas
But similar to other ventures in 2020, GATW has not been unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In previous years, the crew would travel to various Diaspora markets to film. However, with restrictions in place in some countries, travelling abroad was not practical this year. Therefore, the production team has launched an initiative to invite persons, locally and overseas, to send their videos to the GATW team.
“They can simply video tape their greetings and send it to us,” Royes said.
For instructions about how to send videos, persons can visit jngroup.com/gatw and watch the filming instructions video. Download and complete the talent consent and release form; and email the completed form, along with their video via a file transfer site, such as WeTransfer, WeSendit or PCloud, to greetingsacrosstheworld@gmail.com. Videos can also be sent via What’sApp to 876-442-1203.
The show, which has become a part of the modern Jamaican Christmas tradition, will be aired from December 4, 2020 to January 6, 2021.
* Name changed
