THE EDITOR, Sir:
I READ with regret the tragic break-up of the shuttle craft, Columbia, as it returned to Earth from the mission in space.
I must confess that my initial reaction was "good for them"; it is a sign of Divine displeasure and a signal to the mighty to turn from their ways of war and destruction. It was actually an event that almost brought a pleasant thought.
Then it suddenly struck me that this mission was not about America alone. That those same Americans have always been willing to share their technological advances with the world.
These are the same Americans who have been so kind and generous to our country and even now are shipping vast quantities of food, materials and medicinals to the needy in our society.
These are the same Americans who are so willing time and time again to accommodate our people, until the number of Jamaicans in the United States are just about the same as the number of Jamaicans in Jamaica itself. These are the same Americans who have "been there and done that" for our people and country.
That made me realise that we too have lost and it is a part of our family that have died and we are all the lesser for it. It is, therefore, for us all to express our sorrow and deep regrets at this tragedy that has so befallen us.
Let us therefore pledge to send some tangible expression of regret to the Americans, our friends, at this time of mourning and indeed ask that special prayers be said in our homes and churches, as true expressions to them, that Jamaica stands with them.
We must encourage them to boldly continue to go into the new frontier, undaunted by the challenges that are so great yet and must be overcome.
'Press along America, Jamaica is right behind you.'
I am, etc.,
Dr. JEPHTHAH FORD
Kingston 19
