THE EDITOR, Sir:
AS THE discussions continue on the appropriateness or otherwise of the statue in Emancipation Park, it has become more and more evident that this work of art has touched very deeply the psyche of us, the Jamaican people. It has also demonstrated the fact that a work of art can be interpreted or misinterpreted by any number of critics regardless of their level of sophistication. It is this freedom to interpret that allows me to make the following comments:
My first reaction to the statue in the park was The Creation Story! God created man and woman to continue His work of creation and it seems to me that the process of creation is continuing even in events such as Emancipation and Independence. Now, what has colour got to do with it? Are we not 'Out of Many, One People?'
I can remember as a student in England having to attend a gathering of Commonwealth students. At a point on the programme it was announced that a Jamaican student would speak and a bright young man went to the podium and began to speak. Immediately an African sister who was sitting next to me said in utter amazement, "But he is Chinese!"
My reply was "Yes, but listen to his accent, that is the Jamaican accent."
At my church, the St. Andrew Parish Church, in Half-Way Tree, there is a beautiful statue of Jesus which to me depicts the redemption story and which dominates our All Souls Chapel. That, too, is a work by Laura Facey-Cooper.
We thank God for this brilliant Jamaican artist who has been producing such excellent masterpieces for our inspiration and enjoyment and we hope for her many more years of achievement.
I am, etc.,
ELSIE SAYLE
21 Hopeglade Mews
Kingston 6
