Spirit of Jamaica and The Gleaner THE EDITOR, Sir: I AM writing to compliment you on an excellent web site, and more importantly, the first-rate newspaper that you publish. As a Black American woman, and a frequent traveller to your beautiful island, I read The Gleaner Online at least three times per week. I am constantly forwarding interesting articles to friends and family alike, many of whom are eager to visit for themselves due in large part to your efforts. As an educator, I have read with increasing interest the difficulties that your educational system is currently experiencing. These difficulties, in fact, mirror those that many areas in the US are facing as well - certainly here in my home state of Georgia. As a Black American, I am continually amazed and humbled by the strides that many in your country continue to make, even against odds that are often daunting. I hope you recognise the importance of the work that you do. When we in the US are often bombarded with negative stereotypes of Jamaica, Jamaicans and the Caribbean as a whole, papers such as yours provide a true picture and accurate information. In addition, when I am in Jamaica I am able to converse with people living there in a knowledgeable manner because I keep up with events and happenings through your web site. In closing, I would ask that you continue to do the wonderful work that you do. Keep reporting, fairly and accurately, the news in Jamaica. Keep providing uplifting stories of couples who have remained married for half a century, stories of women achieving when faced with sexism and racism, students excelling in all academic areas, of men providing for and loving their families. This is the type of information that, to me, represents the "true spirit of Jamaica". And I appreciate The Gleaner for providing it. I am etc., TERRI TILFORD (Ms.) TLTilford@aol.com Smyrna, Georgia, USA Via Go-Jamaica
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