OCHO RIOS, St Ann — Radio personality Michael “Big Mike” Sangiamo has been to Jamaica six times and he’s just as in love with the country now as he was the first time he came. He’s stayed at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in St Ann for four of his visits.

“Jamaica is just as good as it always has been. Jamaica is the capital of cool and culture. Aside from the beautiful views, wonderful cuisine and the delicious beverages, it is the people. The people have such a warm embrace; and I mean everybody you come into contact with,” he explained.

“The first time I experienced it I said, ‘I’m a lover of the Jamaican vibe’,” Sangiamo added.

That enthusiasm spills over when he’s talking to his listeners on
Walk 97.5 FM — a radio station that serves Long Island, New York.

“Our listeners love when they get an opportunity to win a trip to Jamaica because I let them know that Jamaica is a paradise. We always try to give away these trips as much as possible,” said Sangiamo.

He was speaking with the Jamaica Observer during last Saturday’s cocktail party at Sandals Ochi to mark the start of the Jamaica Tourist Board’s (JTB) three-day Radio Remote Broadcast.

Also among the group of reps from 17 United States-based radio stations was first-time visitor to Jamaica, Tosha Makia. For the disc jockey from KS 107.5 in Denver, Colorado, the warm welcome she has received will not soon be forgotten. And she can’t wait to tell her listeners.

“I’m so excited to be here, the island is beautiful and the people are so welcoming. They for sure make you enjoy the Jamaican culture which I’m so happy to embrace,” she told the
Observer.

During the reception they were treated to scrumptious local cuisine and they were also given an opportunity to showcase their dancing skills as they rocked along to the beats of live entertainment and musical selections by the Sandals team.

“I’m excited about the entertainment!” Makia exclaimed.

Her advice for her countrymen: “If you wanna be around beautiful people and have the best time, you should be here!”

A collaboration between the JTB and Sandals Resorts, the radio remote broadcasts are just one component of a wider campaign that began on April 3 and ends on May 3. In addition to on-air broadcasts, other elements include social media and digital support promoting Jamaica as a vacation destination, and the Sandals Resorts brand.

This latest radio remote came on the heels of another staged at Sandals Dunn’s River in January. During their most recent stay the media personalities broadcast live from Sandals Ochi property, telling their millions of listeners back home why they should visit Jamaica.

In an interview with award-winning US media personality Angie Ward on Saturday, chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board John Lynch rattled off a list of reasons, including how easy it is to get here from the US.

“We have a lot of hubs with several flights out to Jamaica, so it is easy to get here. I think Jamaica is one of the most connected destinations within the Caribbean from America. Forty-five per cent of our visitors come back, which is amazing; and I think this is mostly because of our Jamaican people — the most important part of our product. Jamaica is a vibe,” he said.