THE EDITOR, Sir:JAMAICA - JEWEL of the Caribbean Sea. Endless white beaches, palms and deserted trails through the wild rainforests of the Blue Mountains. That is how foreigners perceive Jamaica. All around the world Bob Marley's peace and freedom songs are popular and loved. The picture of Jamaica is like a mosaic of beautiful small stones.
PSSST wonna taxi, mon?
Once you are in Jamaica your imagination becomes real. It begins with the approach to Norman Manley International Airport while crossing the eastern part of the island. An impressive landscape surrounded by crystal clear water catches one's eyes and makes one curious to see more.
PSSST ganja, mon. Is good for your brain.
A dinner at Blue Lagoon restaurant or an extended hike along Long Bay makes you feel like you are in paradise. The amazing sunsets of Negril ensure this feeling.
PSSST are you cool man?
Darkness follows every sunset. The sun, palms, the sea may envelop Jamaica's dark sides but they cannot make them disappear. Over 200 murders in 70 days.
Are you cool?
Nepal with its high infant mortality rate, malnutrition and notoriously high unemployment rate is so different from Jamaica. In Nepal there is real poverty combined with a mountainous landscape that does not contribute to the improvement of their situation. But what was wrong with the people?
I had forgotten my wallet with a handsome amount of money at the counter of a street restaurant. The owner of the restaurant followed me excitedly to deliver the wallet. Nothing was missing. Later I realised that the amount of money in my wallet was worth more than his monthly salary. The people of Nepal understand the message of their religion, they do not just go to church and think they have understood. They are able to appreciate the value of love in a society and do not just sing about it. One can walk through the darkest streets of Kathmandu at any time of the night with scattering dogs and deep holes in the street as the only threat one is faced with.
TRYING TO COPY
I am a foreigner hence I do not presume to understand Jamaica's problems. But it is obvious that some Jamaicans do not see their real wealth. Why do you not remember your roots? Why are you trying to copy the American way of life? Why do you not appreciate what foreigners appreciate about your island? I am only a visitor and I do not understand but what I do is I realise.
Why aren't you cool mon? Why do you not live what they tell you at church or in your famous songs?
Jamaica is a jewel of the Caribbean and there are many reasons to be proud to be a Jamaican. Do not exchange your self-esteem for money.
I am, etc.,
MARKUS KONZ
Freiburg/Germany
