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of the Day
March 3, 2000
Threat of an American verdict THE EDITOR, Madam: I AM a Jamaican attending school in America and I have witnessed firsthand the effects of the verdict of the Amadou Diallo verdict, because my school is about one hour away from Albany, the district to which the trial was removed owing to the excess publicity of the case in the Bronx where the murder of Diallo took place. For those not familiar with the case, Amadou Diallo was an African immigrant of two years who resided in the Bronx. One night while searching for his keys on his person he was approached by four policemen in plainclothes. The police said he fitted the description of a serial rapist and asked him to stop. I think a friend of mine who lives in that area said it best, when she explained to me that at one o'clock in the morning, in the Bronx, you don't stop for anyone, particularly four white men in plainclothes. They each emptied their pistols at him because as he reached for his wallet to identify himself in the vestibule of his own apartment, the police said they thought he was going to shoot at them. They said they feared for their lives. We know today that the 41 shots fired at Diallo murdered an innocent man. After a year-long trial all of the officers involved in the trial were acquitted last week. The jurors felt themselves bound by the law to release the officers because they truly believed Diallo to be armed. It took 41 shots, none of which were in his arms because he had them raised for them to evaluate the situation. And of course this evaluation was of no significance because Amadou died on the spot. Why is this important to Jamaicans? In protesting the verdict along with students of my school, most of whom are Blacks and Hispanics, I felt a great sense of hypocrisy. I live in a country where police brutality and excessive use of force by those in positions of authority has become a norm. I knew about it, I read of it in the press, I am exposed to it through my helper who often relates stories of blatant dehumanising treatment of herself and her family. My brother also was once subjected to the disrespectful treatment which the police in Jamaica have decided is their modus operandi. Yet I never staged a protest and I was never brought to tears by the daily abuse. Profiling This apathy is evident in the majority of Jamaicans. Particularly those who do not live in certain areas and who drive certain cars. Due to the demographics of Jamaica, racial profiling may not be as rampant as it is in the US, but one would be dishonest to say that it does not exist at all. It is the dregs that has remained from our plantation society history and it is accepted to a point where we are desensitised. I did not protest at home because I was not shocked. I did not protest at home because I was not threatened. I never organised a protest because it would have fallen on deaf ears. Attending school here has made me a minority and has given me a basis for empathy. There are students here that would never have been threatened by the verdict of the trial had they been at home because of who their parents are and where they live. But they all wore black yesterday to join the protest, they are subject to the label of hypocrite just as much as I am. How dare we grieve for Diallo when there are bodies in the ground at home belonging to innocent men whose names we have not even bothered to learn. Privilege This letter is directed to those of us who have recently become the generation whose actions will define the next 30 years of Jamaican society. To those of us who have been given the excessive privilege of attending school abroad: Are you coming home to make your life? To make your country? Police brutality is only one of the big issues that we are going to have to deal with, but I think we need to take it one step at a time. For now, be angry, grieve, be Jamaican. What is your education worth? You can vote now, how will you use it? We need to raise our Jamaican Diallo's from their forgotten graves and bear their rotting carcasses on our backs to the polls in order to scare ourselves into GOVERNMENT: not what we witness today, the true meaning of the term. I am etc, SHARIFA T. WRIGHT
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That photograph THE EDITOR, Madam: IT IS said that a picture is worth a thousand words. From time to time we read The Gleaner and look at the pictures which evoke our emotions one way or another. We are sometimes particularly drawn to some of the stories and do enjoy the pictures which compliment them. Today's (March 1) front page colour picture of Prince Charles with his cap put on the wrong way, is one of fine art and precision, judging from the TV which showed that Prince Charles corrected the error within seconds. I wish to congratulate Mr. Junior Dowie, Gleaner's professional photographer of emeritus status. His alertness on knowing when to shoot to catch the most unusual brings out his unique ability for spontaneous decision-making, speed, accuracy and quality. So often we enjoy the papers but give scant recognition to those who work behind the scene. I would finally like to nominate this picture as worthy for historic preservation in The Gleaner's archives. I am, etc. ELENA WILLIAMS REITTIE
Letter to Rene: The worth of your effort THE EDITOR, Madam: This is a letter to Rene Simoes: I DO understand why you have made your decision to return to Brazil. One reason must be the constant berating by some of my Jamaican brothers and sisters that do not understand what you have done not just for football, but also for our country. Many of my compatriots have no idea what the magnitude of your contribution is. However, a significant number of us are totally cognisant of the enormous worth of your effort, influence and hard work, to this little nation of ours. I know that we (Jamaica) had absolutely no thought that we could have made it to the World Cup at anytime in our lifetime. You made it happen overnight. You were able to marshal the funds, garner the support, and lead the team all the way to France. More importantly is the spirit of nationalism that you rekindled in the people. Few of us respected our flag. Few respected our anthem. Today, we stand at attention and sing the anthem with pride and vigour. Today, we clap and cheer proudly after every rendition. Today, nearly every Jamaican has a personal Jamaican flag. Today, we expect to defeat any team that play against us. We feel we ought to be the best on the planet. All this - in a few short years! Yes Rene, you have sparked something positive inside the Jamaican psyche, which I believe will last forever. There is no turning back. Some will forget your incredible influence when your successors reap (more) success in the coming months and years. But many of us will never lose sight of, or forget, or overlook the magnitude of your influence. May God bless you and your family as you enter the next phase of your life on the planet. Thanks again on behalf of all of us Jamaicans. I am, etc. HORACE PETERKIN
PM and team THE EDITOR, Madam: THE EXECUTIVE and I of the Cornwall Locale wish to congratulate Mr. P.J. Patterson's administration for not only recognising the need for entertainment to be part of its mandate but implementing it in the portfolio of a vibrant personality like Mrs. Portia Simpson Miller. The entertainers of Cornwall Locale and entertainers all over Jamaica wish Mrs. Miller success in her endeavour in making us all benefactors of tourism, not just for a few but for all Jamaicans who dare to put their shoulders to the wheel to help build our tourist industry. We would also like to see a meaningful partnership with the players of the industry especially hoteliers and entertainers so we all can reap the fruits from seeds we have sown together. I am, etc. RANDOLPH CHARLES
Ecotourism in Jamaica THE EDITOR, Madam: LAST MONTH a report was issued in The Gleaner that a North American consultation firm had listed Jamaica as a clear loser in terms of tourism. With all this talk of Jamaica's declining image as a tourist destination, one aspect of tourism has been severely overlooked, that is ecotourism. Ecotourism can be defined as "tourism that ensures the conservation of the natural environment and the well being of local people through responsible travel". For decades the emergence of tourism has contributed to the deterioration of Jamaica's environment. We have failed to implement effective coastal management strategies to prevent the degradation of marine life. Ecotourism should be regarded as a main prospect because it promotes the concept of sustainable development. Ecotourism is a viable alternative because of our unique biodiversity and reputation of being the 'land of wood and water' (as diminishing as that fact may be). Many countries in the region such as Costa Rica and Dominica have implemented ecotourism projects and in the process earned millions of dollars without sacrificing their environment. Jamaica has the potential of earning revenue through these ventures. Ecotourism would also benefit ordinary Jamaicans through the employment of local personnel, the further enhancement of the environment and social infrastructure in local communities and an inflow of revenue. Government should provide incentives to encourage ecotourism ventures and also market Jamaica as an ecotourist destination. Organisations such as the Tourism Product Development Company should assist in this regard. I am, etc., ALDANE MARAGH
Street people in Portland THE EDITOR, Madam: THE RECENT controversy with regards to the street people in our friendly city in the west has forced me to ask permission to express my sincere gratitude to our Member of Parliament, Dr. Donald Rhodd, for the work he is doing in east Portland. We have our share of street people in Port Antonio; however, the M.P. has recently secured funds to build a hostel on the grounds of the Portland Infirmary to house these less fortunate members of our society. His actions are those of a representative who cares for those whom he was entrusted to serve. I am, etc. DERRICK SAMPSON
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