Why not J'can flowers?
published: Tuesday | March 8, 2005

THE EDITOR, Sir:

RE- THE JAMAICA Manu facturers' Association (JMA) highlights of: Buy Jamaican ... Build Jamaica activities. Should a JMA Buy Jamaican luncheon use a floral arrangement using Jamaican flowers?

The floral arrangement shown consists of carnations and chrysanthemums, all imported from South America. This oversight contradicts the JMA's message Buy Jamaican ... Build Jamaica.

I felt it necessary to call attention to the fact that at too many of our functions/receptions etc., I have noticed that our locally grown flowers are being replaced by imported ones.

Why not use our beautiful Jamaican-grown Ginger lilies, Anthuriums, Orchid sprays, Calla lilies, Alstroemeria, Chrysanthemums, Heliconias, Gladioli, Birds of Paradise, to name a few examples, when portraying a Jamaican theme? And support our Jamaican growers at the same time. I have nothing against using imported flowers at functions, but I do have a problem when I see them used for those functions promoting Jamaica or Jamaican products.

I am, etc.,

MARGUERITE HARRIS

Pat's Flower Shop