Tag Archives: Incentive Travel in Jamaica

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Has Volkswagen Stereotyped Jamaicans with its “Be Happy” Super Bowl Ads?

Today’s post is a departure from our usual focus. I’m taking time out to deal with the controversy that has developed about Volkswagen’s Super Bowl ads.

Has Volkswagen Stereotyped Jamaicans with its “Be Happy” Super Bowl Ads?

The short answer to that question is no “definitely not”. I am Jamaican and in no way shape or form am I offended by the ads.  The ads, which feature international Jamaican reggae star Jimmy Cliff, are  light and funny. Sure, they’re somewhat silly, but so what? Humour is meant to be silly.

The bottom line is that the ads are positive. How anyone can object to a message encouraging people to put some happiness into their day is beyond me?  As a Jamaican, if I am going to be stereotyped, I would rather be stereotyped as a positive person with a bright outlook on life than an angry person. I LOVE the line “turn that frown the other way around”.

Take a peek:

Certainly, people in Jamaica don’t go around smiling, singing and dancing all day long. (Anyone who thinks this after viewing the commercial is lacking in the gray matter department.) However, there is an approach to life that seeks to move beyond negative experiences and strive for more positive outcomes. This has allowed a nation that has faced a number of struggles including slavery, economic challenges, and natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes to get through tough times and keep on moving.

The Jamaica Tourist Board has endorsed the ads.

McNeill described the commercial as a tribute to the popularity of reggae music worldwide, while saluting reggae superstar Jimmy Cliff for being a true Jamaican ambassador through his outstanding music.” I urge persons all across the globe to do exactly what the commercial portrays, which is to tap into your inner Jamaican and ‘get happy.”

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Dr. Wykeham McNeill endorses VW Super Bowl commercial

I have just done a quick Google search and it is telling that, at the time of writing, not even one major media outlet has carried news about this endorsement so far. There has been plenty of airtime given to American journalists and ad agency reps. who object to the ads.

I don’t speak for all Jamaicans. I can only speak for myself. I am sure that there may be some Jamaicans who don’t like the commercials. People will always have different points of view.  Also, none of  the Jamaicans I know are offended by the ads.

Update: Even the Prime Minister of Jamaica has come out in support of the ads:

Considering all of this, the reaction of some American journalists to the second commercial is somewhat confusing.

Here are some examples of negative media reaction.

Here are reactions from some of the people in Jamaica who were shown the ads:

More Jamaicans React

Update: In the interests of balance I have found one Jamaican, Christopher John Farley Wall Street Journal journalist, who had some concerns.

If, by and large, Jamaicans, the Jamaica Tourist Board and Jamaican media outlets don’t have concerns about the commercials, why are American journalists crying racism?

Some of the reactions show that these individuals are highly misinformed about Jamaica. Some seem to have a problem with a White man speaking with a Jamaican accent. Frankly, the actor has done a pretty good job. He never represents himself as a Jamaican. It is clear that he is a man from Minnesota speaking with a Jamaican accent.

The comments made by Barbara Lippert from MediaPost.com were particularly disturbing. Referring to a Jamaican accent as a “Black accent” totally misses the mark. Charles M. Blow, New York Times columnist, made equally offensive comments by referring to the ads as being “like “blackface with voices”. Give me a break. Just who is doing the stereotyping?

Newsflash! Jamaica is a racially diverse society, Jamaica’s National Motto is “Out of Many One People”. Jamaicans come in all races, colours, and shades. Our history is a rich tapestry of the ethnic backgrounds of our ancestors who have come from all over the world. When Jamaicans shake their family trees many are likely to find ancestors from a number of backgrounds including African, Taino, English, Scottish, Irish, Chinese, Lebanese, and East Indian. There are many White and Chinese Jamaicans.

When, Barbara Lippert asked “What does Jamaica have to do with Germany?” (as Volkswagen is a German brand), she showed a lack of awareness of Jamaican history. First of all, Volkswagens have been very popular in Jamaica. Years after they disappeared from North America, Volkswagen Bugs were in good repair and being driven on the streets of Kingston.

Clearly Barbara is not aware that some Jamaicans do trace their ancestry to Germany.

This article from The Gleaner, Jamaica’s daily newspaper that has been published since 1834, traces the presence of Germans in Jamaica back to 1778:

The article discusses the fact that, under a practice known as “bountied European immigration”, 64 Germans migrated to Jamaica in May, 1834. Many followed in their footsteps. In 1835, for example, 250 German immigrants were settled on Lord Seaforth’s Estate. Today this area is known as Seaforth Town.

This video takes you on a virtual journey to Seaforth Town and traces the history of some of the first Germans to migrate to Jamaica.

Other Germans were settled in the mountainous areas of parish like St. Ann. For the most part, they have intermarried with the local population that is predominantly Black.

I would strongly recommend that, before journalists and ad agency representatives make ignorant comments that reflect poorly on their employers, they take the time to do even a simple Google search and get their facts straight. If this is too difficult, perhaps media outlets should make a point of having more diverse teams. If you’re going to cover Asia or the Middle East, a couple of journalists who are familiar with those areas would be an asset to your team. If you plan to cover or speak out about topics related to the Caribbean, perhaps it would be a good idea to have some writers from the Caribbean on staff. (If you’re reading this blog post, please note, that I am Jamaican, based in Toronto, and up for the challenge.)

Some journalists just didn’t do their homework. Volkswagen did their homework. They consulted about 100 Jamaicans before they released the ads on Youtube.

So, if Jamaicans, by and large, aren’t offended, what is all the fuss about? I have no idea. If Jamaicans aren’t complaining, what’s the problem? I assure you, as Jamaicans, we are perfectly capable of speaking out about what we find offensive.

Some journalists and ad agency representatives are best to speak out about issues related to their own cultures if they have no understanding of the dynamics of other cultures.

Getting back to Barbara Lippert and Charles M. Blow, I wonder if they would have a problem with Mad White Jamaican who addressed the issue of stereotyping in his Youtube video that has gone viral:

Strong language alert. It’s funny but he is quite worked up about this issue.

Mad White Jamaican:  I’m really Jamaican (Video)

Update: Here  a real White Jamaican, Mad White Jamaican, responds to the Volkswagen “Be Happy” Commercial

Mad White Jamaican Re-mixes Volkswagen commercial.

In that regard, I would like to end by quoting a Jamaican proverb:

“Cockroach nuh business inna fowl fight“.

Translation: Don’t get involved in things that don’t concern you. In other words, “Mind your own business”.

Anne Thornley-Brown is the President of Executive Oasis International, a Toronto based management consulting firm specializing in team building, executive retreats, and corporate event planning. Services are offered in 12 countries including Jamaica.

Anne’s writing has been featured on a number of outlets including Incentive Magazine and Cvent Blog, where she contributes 5 times a week. She has been interviewed on CBC Radio One and by a number of publications including the Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, the National Post, Profit Magazine, Canadian Business Magazine, The Times of India, and China Business Review.

Anne is also a professional actress and she has appeared in commercials for Casinorama, Canadian Women’s Foundation, and the Canadian Parapalegic Association. Her TV credits include the “Brothers” episode of Street Time in which she got to work with Giancarlo Esposito, the “All Around the Town” episode of the Mary Higgins Clark Mysteries, and the “Complicated” episode of the TV series Doc starring Billy Ray Cyrus.

Other Jamaican Bloggers Weigh in on Volkswagen Super Bowl Ads:

Also see:

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Incentive Travel: Lessons from Hurricane Sandy

Generally, weather in the Caribbean is beautiful, but you never know. Even during hurricane season in the Western Hemisphere, major storms, particularly those that come late in the season, are rare. For example, one of my clients travelled to a beautiful Montego Bay resort for a 4-day group event that my company had organized. Some guests had extended their stay beyond the group event. Then came Hurricane Sandy.

Due to exceptional service by the airline, resort and DMC, my clients were comfortable and safe during Hurricane Sandy. and they returned safely to Canada at their scheduled departure time.

Bad weather happens. But before it does, here are 12 take-aways to help event planners prepare for when Mother Nature strikes or natural disasters occur.

  1. Ensure that hotel and airline emergency procedures, early departure and cancellation policies of selected are clearly stated in contracts signed by clients.Some airlines provide accommodation if flights are cancelled due to emergencies, natural disasters and severe weather. Others don’t. Some hotels extend the group rate if guests can’t depart on their scheduled date.
  2. Brief clients about possible emergency scenarios and the type of information required to provide assistance.
  3. File (or ensure that the client files) a list of all attendees and their hotels with the destination’s consulate or embassy.

    Include names and contact information for the members of the hotel’s M.I.C.E. team.Here are U.S., Canada and European Union consulates and embassies.

  4. Obtain emergency contact information for participant as well as information about allergies, food sensitivities and medical issues.
    Summarize this information in a spreadsheet for hotel(s).It doesn’t happen often but a few clients may object to asking employees to provide medical information. Ask the client to check with its legal departments about why this is important.As a compromise, prepare a short form in duplicate. Ask participants to provide the completed forms in sealed, envelopes with their names and marked confidential. Ask the company to provide the sets of envelopes to 2 members of the executive or HR team who are traveling with the group, In an emergency, provide the required envelopes to medical personnel. Shred or return the envelopes to individuals after the trip.
  5. U.S. companies should ask travelers to register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). For Canada, registration is through Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.
  6. Identify the emergency services number and locations of hospitals and clinics at your destination. 
    It’s 9-1-1 in the U.S. and Canada and 1-1-2 in the European Union.
  7. When there is a severe weather warning or an emergency, send a group list with more detailed information to the department that handles foreign emergencies for the country of origin of the majority of participants. This will be used if evacuation becomes necessary.
    Include names, dates of birth, mobile numbers and e-mail addresses, schedule arrival and departure dates. While many airlines and hotels no longer require this, passport numbers are important for emergency services.For Canadians, send it to Emergencies 24/7 operated by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.
  8. Consult the airline website for alerts and flight updates.
  9. Get regular updates from Group Sales or the MICE Department at hotels.
  10. Brief your client and/or employees about their options. 
    Be sure that you let clients know about the requirements for duty of care so that they can make an informed decision. Some companies will insist that all employees return home immediately. Others will leave the decision up to employees if they have extended their stay after the group event is over.
  11. Stay in touch with individuals who have elected to remain at the destination.Your DMC can greatly assist you.
  12. During emergencies, use the services of Tourist Board or Convention Bureaus.
    During Hurricane Sandy, I was pleased that, by contacting @askjamaica on Twitter, the Jamaica Tourist Board was immediately able to contact the members of the group who had re-located outside the group block and quickly confirm that the guests were safe, comfortable and in good spirits.

Everything worked out fine for my clients. They had a great time in Jamaica and can hardly wait to return. The whole experience underscored best practices for incentive travel. I hope that you have found these tips beneficial.

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Incentive Travel: When Disaster Strikes

Incentive Travel & Charity Team Building: After Disaster Strikes

Just when the global economy seemed to be on the upswing, 2011 has ushered in a fresh set of natural disasters and societal turmoil. They have the potential to derail the global economic recovery.

Fresh in our memories are the BP crisis in the Gulf, the natural disasters in Australia and Haiti, Hurricane Katrina, and the boxing day tsunamis in south east Asia. It isn’t news to anyone reading this that there has been an earthquake followed by a tsunami, aftershocks, and instability at a nuclear complex in Japan, the world’s 3rd largest economy.

It is also not news that there have been a wave of protests in Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, and Bahrain. This is already creating a spike in oil prices and intermittent shortages in some areas.

When disaster strikes, the knee jerk reaction is “Oh, we can’t possibly consider taking our team there for a sales incentive trip or team building retreat”. Naturally, no one would be wise to take their team into an area during a period of instability, combat, or a pending nuclear meltdown. Unfortunately, long after calm has been restored and a crisis has subsided, there is usually a lingering fear of particular destinations. It always astonishes me that so many Canadian and American companies are afraid to take their sales teams to Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Oman because they have read about a crisis in the Gaza Strip, Yemen or some other area that is far away. I am orginally from Jamaica. It also baffles me when companies are nervous about booking incentives and retreats on the north coast because there has been a disturbance 2 to 2 1/2 hours away in a area of Kingston that is smaller than many suburban plazas in North America. I don’t get it but some companies have a tendency to avoid destinations that have gone through a crisis or period of turmoil like the plague. For a number of reasons, this is not a prudent strategy.

It is no longer a cliché that we live in a global village. Around the globe, waves of turbulence are likely to increase rather than decrease. No one knows where they will hit next. If every time a destination experiences a crisis companies cross it permanently off their list as “undesireable”, you’ll end up with fewer options for travel and a shrinking circle of influence. How will the economies of countries that have gone through a crisis ever recover if companies avoid doing business with them?

How is this relevant to incentive travel and foreign team buiding retreats? We are interconnected. If one area of the world does not do well, there will be a ripple effect. It may not be obvious but, ultimately, there will be an impact on the demand for your own products and services. For example, Japan is one of the largest oil consuming countries in the world. If the Japanese economy goes into recession and Japan’s demand for oil drops sharply, this will have an impact on the economies of all oil producing nations.

In 2003, my company launched a new team building programme called Visexecutaries: Seizing Opportunities in our Shifting Corporate Landscape. It includes a real Apprentice style project and a charitable component.

The core messages are:

  • turbulence is the new normal – I can’t take credit for that, Porter said it first
  • it is important to connect the dots as what happens in one part of the world has a ripple effect and may have an impact on your business
  • tunnel vision thinking and the not invented here syndrome are to be avoided at all costs as they can blindside you to changes in your market and untapped areas of growth
  • when one area of your community is hurting, it reduces the potential of the entire community so it’s important to give those in need a leg up

We are now seeing these themes reflected in newspaper headlines daily. In spite of this, many companies still resist those messages. They are stuck in the “not invented here” paradigm, dismissing anything that does not originate in their own industry or country as irrelevant. A news items that scrolled across my television screen on the TV listings channel really hammered this home for me. I am paraphrasing:

“There will not be immediate lay-offs at Japanese automobile factories in Ontario due to the halt of production in Japan”.

Ouch! Talk about connecting the dots. A tsunami that hits Japan on the other side of the world CAN potentially lead to lay-offs closer to home and have a negative impact on your local economy. If your company avoids certain destinations and their tourism industries go into a slump, it will have an impact on their economy and potentially ricochet and hit you in your own backyard.

Instead of permanently crossing certain destinations off your list, when disaster strikes, make them a priority. Clearly, it may not be prudent to hop on a plane and take your team there tomorrow but monitor the situation. Get status updates and re-entertain the possibility 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months down the road.

In the meantime, for your next team building session or corporate event, have a fundraiser or assemble packages with clothing, blankets, diapers, thermoses, canteen bottles, bottled water, non-perishable foods, flashlights, surgical masks, band-aids, bandages, disinfectant, toiletries, medical supplies, chainshaws, tools, nails, and school supplies.

It’s not practical to travel to deliver them at the height of a severe disaster or with a potential nuclear nuclear meltdown pending. In those situations, dispatch the supplies through a respected charity or the local consulate for that country. The information with this video has a list of organizations that can quickly get aid to areas that have been struck by disaster:

If travel to the area is possible, arrange for members of your sales team to personally deliver the supplies you have collected during a sales incentive trip and do it sooner rather than later.

Companies that really have heart can use disasters to transform their incentives and foreign retreats forever. If your team has special skills and expertise, why not dispatch a group to help with the clean up? The skills of construction workers, firefighters, medical professionals, mdeical social workers, helicopter pilots, and search and rescue professionals are all needed during periods of disaster.

What about snow plough operators, architects, landscapers, chefs, waiters, dieticians, and caterers. Food and beverage companies can send a team to a foreign destination to distribute some of the non-perishable items they manufacture. The team can spend part of its time at a resort and most of its time clearing debris, assisting with agricultural projects, digging wells, planting vegetable gardens, delivering supplies, distributing food, repairing local schools, and houses.

Making a difference when disaster srikes will be a truly rewarding experience for your team. It’s definitely a paradigm shift worth making.

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Corporate Incentive Travel: Top 10 Christmas Markets

Top 10 Christmas Markets: A Virtual Video Voyage

by Anne Thornley-Brown, President

Executive Oasis International

If you time your sales incentive trip or foreign corporate retreat for late November or early December, you can give your team an opportunity to capture the magic and still be home long before Christmas. A Christmas market is a truly memorable experience to build into your company’s incentive travel itinerary. Your team will talk about it for years. To ensure that you get the best hotel rates and airfares, begin your planning well in advance.

If you need help in selecting your destination, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll start with a visit to some German Christmas markets followed by more stops around the world in search of the top 10 places to find Christmas markets. It’s the time of year when everyone is tired and winding down for Christmas so, our approach this time will be light on text and heavy on video.

 

What is a Christmas market?

The tradition started in Germany in the 15th century and its spreading place all over the world. In the weeks before Christmas, the markets are transformed into colourful places of light, colour, music, and excitement.

Germany

The Christmas Market tradition continues throughout Germany. This videoclip will show you what German Christmas Markets look like today.

Ludwigsburg Barock – Weihnachtsmarkt/Baroque Christmas Market


France (Historically Germany)

Strasbourg Christmas Market

Opened in 1540, Strasbourg Christmas market is reputed to be one of the world’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets. It’s in the famous Alsace Region that has gone back and forth between France and Germany over the centuries. It sits right on the border of France and Germany and has flavours of both cultures. The Christmas market is a distinctly German tradition that was started when Strasbourg was part of Germany.

 

France

Paris Christmas Market

The lights are incredible:

 

Austria

Vienna Rathaus Christkindlmarkt


 

The Czech Republic

Prague Christmas Market

 

Japan

Yokohama German Christmas Market

Tokyo – Strasbourg Christmas Market

When you’re in Japan, you’ll have a chance to enjoy the seasonal illuminations that are becoming popular in cities all over Japan.

 

Estonia

Tallinn Medieval Christmas Market

 

UK

Lincoln German-Style Christmas Market

 

Canada

Toronto Christmas Market NEW

Brand new for 2010, Toronto Christmas Market is taking place during the first 2 weeks of December at The Distillery District, a historical complex. It features a massive Christmas tree, beer gardens, Santa’s Lane, a feriss wheel, and a variety of festive music including carolers, classical organ concerts, and Bavarian brass bands.

While you’re in Toronto, be sure to spend an at Black Creek Pioneer Village for the mesmerizing Christmas by Lamplight. As carolers stroll through the village, you’ll get a glimpse of a traditional Canadian Christmas of the 19th Century as you visit perfectly preserved and festively decorated homes from that era. You can also sample Christmas goodies and savour the delights of a traditional Christmas turkey dinner complete with all the trimmings.

 

Jamaica

Brawta: Christmas Grand Market – Down Memory Lane

“Brawta” means a special extra give in Jamaican patois. This bonus Christmas market is my Christmas gift to you. I didn’t include this in the top 10 for 2 reasons. This note is more historical than current. Also, many companies don’t have the budget to provide incentive trips for the whole family. Definitely, if an incentive trip is held over Christmas, it has to be a family affair.

Christmas Market or Grand Market, is no longer celebrated throughout the island. However, it has left a cultural imprint on modern Jamaican Christmas celebrations so I thought it would be interesting to include it. A few communities have introduced Grand Market Night celebrations on Christmas Eve in honour of this tradition. If you ever are in a position to offer this or to pay for employees and give them the option to upgrade and bring the entire family, why not try Christmas in Jamaica one year. Special church services take place throughout the island. You’ll enjoy traditional black cake, sorrel (a delectable Chrismas drink), chocolate tea, carols, and, of course reggae. Grand Market, a uniquely Jamaican tradition, dates back to slavery days 2 centuries ago. Some of the traditions live on but others are dying out.

If you’re lucky you may even catch Jonkonnu. As recently as the early 1970s, Jonkonnu bands could be found all over the island and they would have performances and parades after Christmas. Now only a few communities keep this tradition alive with it’s colourful cast of characters.

I’ve heard my parents talk about them and, as other parts of the world are transplating the Christmas Market to their own shores, I do hope that Jamaica will revive this centuries old tradition.

 

Here is where you can find more Christmas Markets:

Other Corporate Christmas Event Planning Blogs:

 

 

Photo Credit: Batislava Christmas Market, -12°C