THE EDITOR, Sir:
LET ME express my appreciation of Alex Walker's article 'Rastas need to stop dreaming' published on November 12 which was an invaluable opportunity to learn the perspectives of a veteran in the cause of Africa consciousness.
I don't happen to agree with all that Mr. Walker had to say about Rastas as many of the 'genuine' believers in Selassie have had a positive influence in our community life. But I agree 100 per cent with Mr. Walker when he chastises nouveau Africanists who promote themselves through a surfeit of ill-considered sound bites in the media, and waste privilege on vanity.
Perhaps Mr. Walker's vision of an Institute for African Affairs can be realised through a reopened Liberty Hall.
In retrospect, the money that NHT flushed down the sewer to build that hapless black couple outside of Emancipation Park would have been better used to support educational programmes in places like Liberty Hall, for inner-city youth. It is clear from the monumental mistake that our advisors on values are cut off from the grassroots wisdom of Mr. Walker and others of his disappearing ilk.
I am etc.,
CLAYTON BROWN
Kingston 14
