HEADING into Thanksgiving and Christmas, photographers David Muir and Sean Henry are expected to do a number of official and informal signings for their book, Pieces of Jamaica: Jamrock Edition. The latest took place yesterday at Island SPACE Caribbean Museum in Plantation, Florida.

Muir, a South Florida resident for 21 years, spent considerable time in Jamaica during the past 18 months taking shots for the follow-up to Pieces of Jamaica, which was released in 2017. He and Henry provide over 250 photographs, drone shots and fine art depictions of Jamaican people, towns, sites and landscapes.

Muir told the Jamaica Observer that ‘Jamrock Edition’, released in August, was done with the Jamaican and Jamaican at heart in mind.

“The result is a piece that appeals to both the Jamaicans on island — the expat and the non-Jamaican alike — as long as they have an affinity for our island home and its culture. Even those who simply like to learn about travel, locations and other cultures will enjoy this publication. It’s a keepsake that is both beautiful to look at and highly educational,” he explained. “We hope to inspire nostalgia in those who grew up in Jamaica; and for those who have never been or who haven’t been in a long time, we intend to inspire a longing to visit the island.”

Muir has lived in the United States for almost 30 years. The former Campion College student is a popular figure in South Florida’s Jamaican community and knows the in and outs of the Diaspora.

Many Jamaicans who live in South Florida migrated to the US in the 1970s and lived for decades in New York City before relocating to the “Sunshine State”. Their children and grandchildren, who were born in the US, are part of Muir’s and Henry’s target market.

“For our Diaspora audience, particularly for the second generation, it is important that they don’t just think of Jamaica as a cool place to be from because of our music, food and sports, but that they also understand other elements of their rich heritage and culture,” said Muir. “Whether they live on [the] island or they are first- or second-generation Diaspora, a visceral connection with Jamaica — one that we hope to inspire — may generate continued physical, financial and emotional connections as well. We need people with a real connection to invest in the country, to come home to visit, and to be our ambassadors to the rest of the world. Pieces of Jamaica is a great tool to accomplish all those goals; plus, it makes a great holiday gift and anytime conversation piece!”