Signs of a difference
published: Wednesday | February 19, 2003
THE EDITOR, Sir:
IT IS with great pleasure that I share with you my response to a programme which was aired on TVJ on or around January 23, 2003. A young woman, Mrs. Ashman-East was being interviewed by a TV host, whose purpose was to have her tell her story. This young woman shared that she was one of 14 children who grew up in the 'Grant's Pen ghetto' and through extensive ingenuity, creativity and will power, worked hard to put herself through high school and university, while bringing up a younger brother and sister.
She was enterprising and ultimately opened her own Computer Training School. She spoke about her dream of opening her own high school, but one with a difference. Her story was exciting and inspirational, one which I believe should be heard by all Jamaicans.
My purpose in writing this letter is to personally congratulate Mrs. Ashman-East, and to suggest in an open forum that the educational authorities seriously consider hiring her as a motivational speaker for children at all levels of the educational system. In addition, Mrs. Ashman-East and others like her should be publicly recognised and awarded in some way, to give a balanced picture of life in Jamaica - showing that crime and violence are not the only events, and that there are individuals who strive with integrity and passion to achieve their goals, not only those who are corrupt.
I am a visitor to Jamaica, a non-tourist visitor, so to speak, impressed by apparent signs of prosperity which is counteracted by many indications of unemployment and widespread socio-economic problems, including the very deplorable conditions of the roads. This programme which I had the privilege to view was a sign of hope in very dark times.
