THE EDITOR, Madam:
It was with some sadness that I read the letter, "Losing hope in Jamaica". The correspondent was obviously a well-educated, hard working and reasonable man; yet he expressed a frustration so deep with Jamaica that he is tempted to leave.
I have not had the honour yet to be a citizen, but I hope one day that might come to pass. For now I have been only a visitor, but in my many visits I've come to love Jamaica. It is sadly ironic that at the same time I'm negotiating a purchase of land to bring me closer to my goal of living in Jamaica, your correspondent is considering leaving, to perhaps Canada, my present home.
I am well aware of the dangers inherent in living in Jamaica, but there is also so much to love. The culture is incredibly rich. So few people have created so much. The natural beauty of the island itself has sunk deep into my soul. What I value the most though, is the vitality and honesty of the Jamaicans themselves. When I return to Canada, the contrast is stark and depressing. Yes, Canada has law and order; yes, Canada has a stable economic system. But to all the other Jamaicans who feel like losing hope in Jamaica...don't.
Along with North American stability comes a stifling homogeneity that will trade your soul for regular trips to the mall. Stay in Jamaica, cure the ills, and remember that you are a great people. That fact seems to get forgotten sometimes. I might add that the current temperature is -12°C and there's about 2 feet of snow on the ground.
I am etc.
R.S. STEWART
E-mail:
stewart.bluemountain@sympatico.ca
Town of the Blue Mountains
Ontario, Canada
Via Go-Jamaica
