The Foundation was established in 1997 with the mission to serve as a catalyst for the sustainable development of Oracabessa and its environs.
Today the Oracabessa Foundation is focused on making an impact in three critical areas:
More People Working
Our strategy to increase the number of people in Oracabessa who have good jobs has revolved around providing vocational training so persons can be workforce ready.
Primary Indicators:
• # People Who Find Jobs
• # Jobs Created Through New Businesses
Our strategy to increase the number of people in Oracabessa who have good jobs has revolved around providing vocational training so persons can be workforce ready.
To this end, the Foundation has partnered with some of Jamaica's leading programs designed to provide business skills and channel Jamaican’s natural entrepreneurial spirit. eg. The H. E. A. R. T. Trust and A Ganar Youth Employment.
A Healthy Bay
Jamaica has some of the most depleted fish stocks of any country in the world. A Healthy Bay is an incredibly important resource for the many stakeholders in the community.
Primary Indicators:
• #/size of species in Bay
• Reef Health and Coverage
• Water Quality
A Healthy Oracabessa Bay is an incredibly important resource for the many stakeholders on the Bay. eg. The Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary, Coral Re- Planting and Sea Turtles.
Positive, Engaged Youth
“Unattached” youth are a major problem across Jamaica. Our strategy is to create a positive environment where youth can find their first taste of success.
• Life Skills
• Sporting Achievement
eg. Youth Sports Leagues, BMX Racing Track and Two Wheels, One Love Project
EVENTS
The Oracabessa Bay Marlin Tournament
The annual Oracabessa Marlin Fishing Tournament - held in early October each year - is a fundraising event for the Oracabessa Fisherman's Group. Funds are used by the Group to promote sustainable fishing practices among its members.
High tech equipment? Not here. Million dollar boats? Nope. Fancy rods and reels? Nowhere to be seen. Twice in the last three years the Champion Marlin has weighed in at over 500 pounds! Unbelievable.
Jamaica Bicycle Bash
In 2008 the Oracabessa Foundation partnered with the St. Mary Off-Road Bicycling Association (SMORBA) to create an event that celebrates Jamaica's unique bicycling culture.
Dubbed the Jamaica Bicycle Bash - the event is filled with competitions and races that test riders' skills in a fun-filled environment. The Rambolympics, RamboRace, Bunny Hop and Stunt Course are all crowd favorites.
Staged in May at James Bond Beach, the Bicycle Bash has become a calendar event for all bicycling loving Jamaicans.
“When I started Island Records in Jamaica over 50 years ago, it was because I was captivated by the rhythms and the storytellers of a rich and diverse culture. Having achieved some success since then, built on the foundation of that Jamaican music, I have always tried to make it a priority to give back to the people of Jamaica.”
Chris Blackwell
EVENTS
The Oracabessa Bay Marlin Tournament
The annual Oracabessa Marlin Fishing Tournament - held in early October each year - is a fundraising event for the Oracabessa Fisherman's Group. Funds are used by the Group to promote sustainable fishing practices among its members.
High tech equipment? Not here. Million dollar boats? Nope. Fancy rods and reels? Nowhere to be seen. Twice in the last three years the Champion Marlin has weighed in at over 500 pounds! Unbelievable.
Jamaica Bicycle Bash
In 2008 the Oracabessa Foundation partnered with the St. Mary Off-Road Bicycling Association (SMORBA) to create an event that celebrates Jamaica's unique bicycling culture.
Dubbed the Jamaica Bicycle Bash - the event is filled with competitions and races that test riders' skills in a fun-filled environment. The Rambolympics, RamboRace, Bunny Hop and Stunt Course are all crowd favorites.
Staged in May at James Bond Beach, the Bicycle Bash has become a calendar event for all bicycling loving Jamaicans.
“When I started Island Records in Jamaica over 50 years ago, it was because I was captivated by the rhythms and the storytellers of a rich and diverse culture. Having achieved some success since then, built on the foundation of that Jamaican music, I have always tried to make it a priority to give back to the people of Jamaica.”
Chris Blackwell