THE EDITOR, Sir:
IT IS with great regret that we have to once again witness the barbaric behaviour displayed by a few of our self-chosen reggae ambassadors. We as Jamaicans must now stand up and demand that it is time for hoodlums and criminal elements in our society to stop dictating the future of our country and how people perceive us.
According to reports, patrons paid as much as $1,500 to attend the Sting show and instead of getting the satisfaction of first class musical entertainment, they are forced to run for cover to save their lives. This behaviour is unacceptable and should not go without some sort of punishment for the entertainers who were involved.
The authorities should place a hefty fine on each of the entertainers that took part in the disruption, and also place a one-year ban on their public performances both in Jamaica and internationally. They would then have to find a 9-5 job like most Jamaicans, and realise how privileged they are for people to be paying $1500 to listen to their diatribe and observe their unruly behaviour.
Many people around the entire globe see shows like Sting as a favoured part of Jamaican culture. That is why several Jamaicans abroad travel to see the show each year. To cancel the show because of the despicable behaviour of a few so-called entertainers is to have deprived the patrons of a right to be entertained as they see fit.
Jamaica is not lacking of entertainers who can display appropriate behaviour during performances. I have attended stage shows in Jamaica, New York and Florida with top entertainers and there has not been a single embarrassing incident.
So I am appealing to the authorities in Jamaica please do not allow a few hoodlums to take over our country and dictate who goes where and when. Slap them hard where it matters most, in the pocket book and they will get the message loud and clear.
I am, etc.,
ALVIN BUCHANAN
alvinb@htn.net
Sebring, Florida
Via Go-Jamaica
