THE EDITOR, Sir:I WISH to respond to some derogatory comments about your beautiful country by a visiting Canadian in the Wednesday, March 17 Gleaner.
As a retired high school teacher in Toronto I have accompanied over 500 students and adults during the past 14 years to work with, and learn from, young children in inner-city Kingston schools. Everywhere we have received nothing but great love, respect and hospitality. Many of our participants have been so profoundly touched by the experience that they have returned to Jamaica again and again.
TESTIMONY
A few examples from literally hundreds bear eloquent testimony to a life-altering two weeks.
An Ontario teacher reflected on her July 1997 trip: "I truly believe that I've left my heart and spirit in Jamaica. The cross-cultural experience has had a profound impact on my life. I'm not certain that I can adequately articulate the array of emotions that I've been left to sort through and deal with after such a touching visit to the almost magical island of vast contradictions. I can honestly say, unequivocally, that second to giving birth to my precious children, the Jamaica venture is the ultimate, most fulfilling and rewarding experience of my life..."
A Montreal high schooler described her 2000 experience. "Nothing could have prepared me for these two extraordinary weeks. After 13 years spent in classrooms, thousands of dollars invested in private schools, my greatest teachers have been the people in West Kingston. Those few hours spent in their company have taught me more about myself and about humanity than all my years of study..."
I hope our one disgruntled Canadian visitor will some day return to enjoy the real beauty of this unforgettable island its people!
I am, etc.,
FINTAN KILBRIDE
