Proud of Jamaica
published: Thursday | March 25, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

AS A direct beneficiary of USAID. I was somewhat upset by the heading in The Sunday Gleaner of March 21, 'Bush Upset With Jamaica'. It made me think of the playground scenario ­ "I am not playing with you because you like somebody I don't like."

I am proud of the fact that as a Jamaican, my country could give a helping hand to a neighbour in distress ­ love thy neighbour. Our Prime Minister had stated clearly that Mr. Aristide did not ask for political asylum and that was good for us to know. It is not only the Government that has responded to the plight of the Haitian people and to Mr. and Mrs. Aristide. Our NGOs and others have been helping in many ways, including food from the Private Sector, all this in typical Jamaican fashion.

The photograph on the front page of The Gleaner of Friday March 19 of Mr. and Mrs. Aristide with their two pretty little daughters, Christine and Michaelle, is heart-warming and an expression of the hope that we all have for all of Haiti. We pray that peace and love will come to that country. We also hope and pray that the US will feel free to pursue its leadership role of helping wherever help is needed on this troubled planet which we all inhabit.

I am, etc.,

ELSIE SAYLE

Kingston 6