THE EDITOR, Madam:
I THINK that it's about time that Jamaica's image was cleaned up. It disgusts me how Jamaica is sold as an island of debauchery in Britain.
How is the Jamaican diaspora meant to feel seeing its island being degraded in the way that it is?
I am Rastafarian of Jamaican parentage born in Britain, and when I've travelled to Senegal and Gambia, Jamaica is admired for its culture impact through reggae music. A nude wedding is hypocritical in the sense that Jamaica has more churches per square mile than any other country. With the I don't care attitude of kill and ask question mentality, and sexual promiscuity on sale as a tourist package, how does this help Jamaica?
Marcus Garvey would be turning in his grave. I think that the Minister of Tourism should promote Jamaica's beautiful environment and people with dignity. After all Jamaica has contributed so much in terms of culture to the world. Isn't the Tourist Office's job to promote Jamaica positively? Maybe its time for Jamaica to introduce an ethical tourist policy whereby Jamaican people can actually benefit from the foreign exchange, instead of it returning to Europe and America i.e. more community-based tourism like the Trench Town Development Cultural yard etc.
It's about time a positive image of Jamaica was shown to preserve her identity and dignity.
I am etc.,
SOPHIA SEWELL
E-mail:
rasworks@cableinet.co.uk
Via Go-Jamaica
