Music label formed to combat crime

Hopeton Bailey, an England-based motivational speaker, author and community growth and development leader, has decided to contribute to his home town of Sandy Bay, Clarendon, in a big way.

Concerned about crime and other negative activities, he has pumped his resources into forming a music label - Strive Time Production - something he is hoping will turn things around and bring back peace to the area.

In an interview with THE STAR, Bailey said he teamed up with long-time friend Deal Miller, who also hails from the community, in 2019 with the goal of not only pushing talented individuals, but also injecting some positive energy. Bailey said he and Miller have always been guiding the youth in Sandy Bay in a positive way.

"During those times our community was very peaceful, interesting and fun. Unfortunately, things have changed. We strongly believe that we can create a shift in paradigm, which will see the youth in the community thinking and acting in a more positive and uplifting way," he shared. The label will promote positivity, peace, community spirit and camaraderie, and hopefully create employment.

"As such, it is our intention to help all the youth in our community to develop great dreams and aspirations, and work with us to see those aspirations through to reality. Another friend, Wayne Callum, has also played a very important role so far in the journey of Strive Time Production," Bailey said.

Subconscious mind

He said that as a psychologist, he is well aware that most of the actions and behaviours by human beings come from what is in their subconscious mind.

"We know people live what they learn. We also know that every youth from our community, if given the opportunities to express their God-given talents, gifts and abilities, will do so to a great level when they are inspired and motivated. Consequently, we will use music to create some positive role models in our community," he opined.

Bailey believes that once they create a path for at least one artiste, the rest will follow and that will breed opportunities for generations upon generations.

The label will soon put out its first Sandy Bay medley 'Do It', which will feature artistes like Emanuel Stain, Mikki Ras, Payne Mendez, and Alva Black, who are all from Sandy Bay.

"We are now working on bringing back a juggling (spirit) in dancehall with a difference," said Bailey. There are also plans to develop a charity organisation with the goal to ensure that the students in the community develop an early career interest and are supported by relevant role models.

Bailey, who migrated to England in 2006 as a teacher, now holds a master's degree in education and is founder and CEO of the Aspirers Society UK, which works with and uplifts disadvantaged youth and those from low socio-economic backgrounds.