The journey to do this project was triggered by two events. I went home for the World Cup qualification match, between Canada and Jamaica, at the National Stadium and I left the National Stadium beaten and wounded. Apart from wearing our Jamaican colors, there was nothing inspiring at that event. It was noise all evening, the total marginalization of my wonderful culture. The second event, which happened a few years ago, occurred when I was on my way to the Calabash Literary Festival in Treasure Beach, where my father was born and I had spent a major portion of my younger years. I gave a stranger a ride down to Calabash Bay. I sat in silence, passenger beside me, for over one-half-hour just admiring the rich beauty of the sea. I had never seen the sea so beautiful. I was filled with an indescribable sense of national pride and earthly humility. “Hail to Jamaica” was born right there in my heart. I embarked on the project to capture everything about the land of my birth. I’m often saddened by the rifts, corruption of our leaders and public figures, and the hatred of self by my younger countrymen. I hope this project in some way will ignite a sense of love of country, love of self, love of fellowman, and respect of and for country, deep in the hearts of my people. I give thanks, Malachi Smith