THE EDITOR, Sir:
JAMAICA AND the mighty Federal Republic of India share an intriguing number of historical parallels and experiences, primarily originating from our mutual experiences as former outposts nay, cornerstones of the erstwhile British Empire: Jamaica may not have been the 'Jewel in the Crown',.... but perhaps we can, at least, lay claim to having been the 'Green Emerald in the blue Caribbean!'
The great contributions of Jamaican citizens of Indian descent, to every aspect of our social, cultural, economic and intellectual lives, are well known and have created intangible but lasting bonds of interest and affection between Jamaica and India. A proper respect for those bonds calls for the correction of certain inaccuracies contained in the letter to the Editor titled: "Thank you Sonia Gandhi!". The letter states that India has a population of 380-odd million citizens, and that the population of India is basically mono-racial..that India "cannot even be seen as a multi-racial country." Nothing can be further from the truth!
India, the second most populous country on earth, after China, has a population that is estimated to be over 1.6 billion people. This vast population encompasses perhaps every major racial group or type on Earth.....and the peoples of India speak over 380 different languages, at least 20 of which are spoken by populations in excess of one million people each. India is a federation of many different states, races and peoples, each with their own distinct cultures, customs and histories. Many Indians are multi-lingual, and English is used as a common language. It is estimated that India's middle class is greater in number than the entire population of the United States.
India is an awakening economic giant, and the country is an intellectual powerhouse, producing perhaps more doctors, scientists, engineers and mathematicians than any other country at present. Neither Sonia Gandhi's race nor gender should be relevant in evaluating her qualifications to become Prime Minister. However her decision to decline the post, despite the fervent urging of her supporters to accept, removes a possible flash-point of controversy and national division based on her foreign birth. She has placed the interests of India ahead of any personal ambitions.
A tour of India on the Internet is indeed a fascinating experience, one that is to be highly recommended, especially to our young students. Hopefully, our mutual tastes for delicious curry and lovely cricket will provide the spice for other wonderful discoveries.
I am, etc.,
ANTHONY G. GUMBS
aggumbs@aol.com
Illinois, USA
Via Go-Jamaica
