Mark “Chief Marika” James (back row, goofy grin) is one half of the dynamic duo that created the Tribewanted concept. These days, he is a busy man: globetrotting to promote and populate the virtual tribe of Vorovoro and creating that island’s infrastructure with co-creator Ben “Chief Bengazi” Keene. Chief Marika graciously granted us an audience. Here’s what he had to say:
Where did you grow up?
Mark James: I grew up on the Wirral, which is near Liverpool in the UK
Before Tribewanted.com you were in TV? Are you still?
MJ: I have worked in TV on and off and now I am pursuing tribewanted full time. I am an ideas man. I love ideas. I love the fact that an idea can be borne in the mind and transferred into reality -it’s exciting to see people who have got off their ass and sought to achieve what others have called impossible. Much respect.
What inspired you to create Tribewanted.com?
MJ: Basically, the internet. The internet has created a platform for people to release new ideas and concepts, the internet has been used to empower people and web 2.0 is a development of that. I have followed some online crazes, MySpace, Millon Dollar Homepage and oneredpaperclip. I then frazzled my brain over the idea that we could bring people together online in order to develop something that has an offline reality to it. I then loved the idea that we could use 21st Century internet technolgy in order to develop an eco-island in a third world Country. Using the internet to enhance people’s live and environments - how cool is that?
Why did you choose to webcast it instead of broadcasting the adventures?
MJ: The online aspect to our website is key and we want to develop a multi-level platform to what we are doing, from online forums, chatrooms, podcasting, blogs, online television and much more. Nevertheless we were inundated with interest from TV companies, at two levels 1) The fact that we are developing an eco-island 2) The fact that we are bringing 5000 people together from around the world, it is a global project of interest. With this in mind we have signed a development deal with Shine Television in order to explore the possibility of a credible documemntary on this project.
How long did it take you to conceive of and then go into production on Tribewanted.com?
MJ: It took about three days for me to come up with the idea. I am an ideas man so this was the simple bit! Myself and my business partner, Ben Keene, the set about to put together a solid business plan, we got advice on this and we covered every aspect of tribewanted, this took a further three months. One of the exciting aspects was going online ‘Island shopping’ and came across our Island in Fiji, we made a last minute leap to put an air ticket on our credit cards and go and visit the island - we did, we fell in love with Fiji and with the Island. So, about three months after the idea was formed, we launched the website showing that it was now or never!
Talk a little bit about how the entrepreneurial “think tank” you and Ben Keene belonged to helped you assemble the pieces of your plan.
MJ: We belong to an organisation called ‘Striding Out’ which is a melting pot of entrepreneurs, who come together to learn from one another, teach one another and empower one another. We used this as a sounding block, constantly allowing them to help to shape and inform our ideas.
Why eco-friendly concept?
MJ: It is vital that we start to play a role in conserving our planet, protecting the environment that we live in and conserving planet earth for future generations that we live in. We wanted to develop an eco-friendly concept to show our audience that playing a role in the preservation of the environment is something that they can do in their everyday lives and to offer them ideas that they can implement in their own lives.
I love that you’re partnering with Climate Care, but I’m unclear how the partnership will work. Please explain.
MJ: Climate Care are acting as one of our advisors, Ben and I were very aware that, whilst it was great to develop an eco-island the emissions that would result in flying 5000 people to the Island would be damaging. Climate Care are calculating the emissions that will be released into the environment through these flights and are calculating the financial cost and negative impact on our environment. Therefore, when offsetting these costs this money will go directly into replenishing our environment by planting trees etc.
Will you and Ben be on the island 24/7 during this process?
MJ: Ben and I will be on the island for at least the first year.
What is your favorite part about undertaking the Tribewanted.com quest?
MJ: Personally, I love to inspire people to run for their own dreams, ambitions and aspirations. Tribewanted is a huge protect, we have risked everything in launching this venture and yet what we have gained so far in terms of meeting new people, being encouraged and motivated by others has been well worth it. My favourite part about undertaking tribewanted is the fact that we have had so many e-mails from people who have said that our ambition has inspired them to chase a dream! Awesome.
What is your least favorite part about undertaking the Tribewanted.com quest?
MJ: We all go through highs and lows and sometimes I realise just how ambitious our project is, it can be daunting!
Are there days when you wake up and it’s just too overwhelming to get out of bed?
MJ: Yes, of course there are, there are for you, for me, for everyone. That’s life. It is great working with Ben as we pull each other up when we feel down.
If so, what keeps you motivated?
MJ: Many people have a personal ambition - these ambitions can range from wanting to be a doctor, a footballer, an actor, roaming the world - whatever. However, many expect those ambitions to be handed to them on a plate, you have to work for them. No-one will give you your dream, you have to chase it. My motivation is the fact that, one day, I can look back, see what I have developed and know that I did that, that I worked for that. It wasn’t handed to me on a plate and that will be the greatest reward. If you want something, persevere, keep going, if you fall, get back up, keep getting back up and believe in the thing that you set out to accomplish.
There is money involved, both to be gained and to be lost, so, would you do this for free?
MJ: I started of with an idea, an idea that I love and I chased it. I am not driven by money, I am driven by ideas, by creating something, by taking something that seems impossible and see it take place. That is my complete and utter passion. I never want to collect and horde a whole load of money, nevertheless, money can be a springboard. When you have enough money to live on this frees up mindspace, you get rid of some worry and you have a chance to follow your dream. Money can be used as a springboard. It’s not about making heaps of money it’s about making enough money to live so that I can chase my dreams.
If this is even a modest success, what’s next for you?
MJ: I love the idea that we can bring people together online in order to develop something that has an off-line reality - I have a heap more ideas that I will be working on, some exciting stuff, that follows this concept.
Actually, even if it’s a total failure, what do you see yourself doing in 5 years?
MJ: There is always the danger of it failing but at least I will be able to say to myself, ‘I tried’. I would hate to get to the end of my life, look back, think of an idea that I had and just wonder whether it could have ever come to anything. In 5 years time, if this does not work, I will probably be chasing another idea, another dream.
Who was your biggest influence(s) growing up?
MJ: My biggest influence was a lady called ‘Maya Angelou’ who wrote her autobiography which is about five books long, the first one is entitled ‘I know why the caged bird sings’. Maya was brought up during the apartheid (Editor’s Note: Maya Angelou was raised in America, during the Segregation era) and she has had a rollercoaster life of ups and downs, whatever situation she was in, she got back up. That’s inspiring!
Who is your biggest influence now?
MJ: There are three people who majorly inspire me: Richard Branson–I love what he has done, in his business life and his personal life; Alex Tew, of Million Dollar Homepage– it has been awesome to get to know Alex, he is such a nice guy; and Kyle McDonald, of one red paperclip–that guy is soooo clever!
Who were your parents and what did they do?
MJ: To be honest, my parents are private people and I want to respect that. They are awesome though (I would be grateful if you left this question out, nevertheless if it HAS to go in then that is my answer!)
What’s the biggest problem facing the world today?
MJ: I love a typical Jamaican saying which goes like this, ‘In Jamaica we have no problems, only situations.’ If we maintain an attitude that the world is full of problems it does not spur on individuals to get together, work together and devise solutions to the situations that we face. Problems are like huge mountains that stand in between where we are now and a better place, the work, effort and energy required to get to that place means that it is easier for us to remain at the bottom of the mountain. Situations are temporary and with some friendship, a cup of coffee and a little elbow work, we get through them and past them, together.
Would you rather spend a year locked in a space capsule orbiting Earth or on a desert island?
MJ: Island. Definitely. Because I would hate to be in a confined space for too long!
Who makes you laugh the most?
MJ: My younger brother, he is hilarious!
What’s the worst car trouble you’ve ever had?
MJ: I don’t drive but I have been in a few car crashes - scary moments!
What hobbies have you?
MJ: I love to read. I love to go to the gym. I have a few games consoles and I am addicted to the sounds on my ipod (currently James Blunt!)
Favorite movie starring an adventure island?
MJ: Castaway
What sound or noise do you love?
MJ: I love the sound of rain hitting the roof as I am snug in my bed falling asleep!
What sound or noise do you hate?
MJ: It kinda goes like this, “BRRIIIINNGGGRAZZIIINNNNGGGWOOOAAAHHA”
What is your favorite food that you’ve never had?
MJ: Adventure Island ice cream!
What is your favorite food that you actually have had?
MJ: Favourite food you have ‘ever’ had - has to be dim sum!
What superpower would you want?
MJ: To be able to fly, that would rock!
How does it feel to be in the middle of a media feeding frenzy?
MJ: Crazy. Scary. Exciting. A dream. An privilege.
Are you in a relationship?
MJ: No. If only time would allow such pleasures 
If you’re not in a relationship, could it be said this is just a huge ruse designed to get a date?
MJ: If it were a plan to get a date, there must be easier ways.
If Heaven does exist, what would you like to hear God say when you enter?
MJ: “Would you like a beer?”
What are your five favorite websites?
John Cleese or Tony Blair?
MJ: Cleese, all the way, Fawlty Towers rocks!
Paper or Plastic?
MJ: Paper, part from those damn paper cuts!
Thatched or Aluminum?
MJ: Thatched, because thatched traditional Fijian Bures are awesome!
