THE EDITOR, Sir:
IT WAS interesting to read Bill Lewis' letter "PM, a true gentleman" in your issue of December 19, 2002. Unfortunately, one man does not create a good impression of our image as a nation, even if it happens to be a high official!
I read this letter after I returned from the Miami Airport where I picked up my granddaughter, who is visiting me for the holidays. She plays, among other instruments, the saxophone, and has been invited by the Government of Jamaica on more than one occasion to perform (e.g. opening of the pier in Port Antonio, Youth Festival and at the High Commissioner's musical presentations in London).
She related her experiences with Customs on her last visit to the island. Her instrument is housed in a velvet-lined case. The gloved female customs officer made a thorough search, as she is entitled do. However, in the process, she took off her gloves thus allowing the talc powder used to make this easier, to be deposited all over the lining of the case and her prized instrument. When politely asked to try to avoid this, the customs official is said to have rudely remarked that if she wished to "rip the lining of the case apart" she had the power to do so.
I, as an adult and born Jamaican, would have known better and not have asked for this consideration, and be able to accept this as being part of our everyday behaviour. However, to a youth trying to identify herself with the culture of the country of her forebears, the reaction was indeed different and unfortunately lasting.
So just as how Bill Lewis, our visitor from Bahamas, will "cherish for the rest of his life" the action of the PM in honouring him by recognising his frequent visits to Jamaica and his stay at the "Grand Lido Negril" with "a warm smile and outstretched hand in greeting", my grand- daughter will likewise not forget the apparently crude behaviour of the lady at our Customs with the powdery ungloved hands! We all have to play our part in presenting a better image of our island home, PM or peasant! Season's greetings.
I am etc.,
HUGH BROWN
hughartb@bellsouth.net
2240 N. Sherman Circle #407
Miramar, Florida
Via Go-Jamaica
