THE EDITOR, Sir:
A COUPLE years ago, our Prime Minster rightly declared Emancipation Day, August 1, a public holiday. Since then, the working population has benefited from an extra day from the office. But, do Jamaicans - both adults and children - really know the significance of this very special day (which coincidentally is my birthday). Do we really know what it means to be a "free people"? Do we really understand and appreciate what our forefathers went through and what gave rise to us having a day called Emancipation Day?
I was at a function on Sunday, July 31, where the question - 'Why do we celebrate Emancipation Day?' was put to some children but no answer was forthcoming. I was forced to ask myself quietly, whether these children were merely shy or they really did not know. I am really appalled at the lack of knowledge amongst our people - both adults and children - of important facts that concern us as a nation.
TRYING TO IMITATE AMERICANS
We are always trying to imitate the Americans but strangely the quest for information on our history and culture was never something that we emulated. The Americans not only know their history but they are also aware of the significance of every aspect of their history and culture. We continuously preach that a people without the knowledge of its history and culture is a people without a future. What is this lack of knowledge saying of us as a nation?
I firmly believe that the history of Jamaica or civics should continue to be a part of our educational system. My proposition is that we start with the children from as early as kindergarten or basic school and continue up to the Secondary level. The period up to and including Emancipation and Independence days should be used to reinforce the information; utilising the electronic and print media.
I am also proposing that we should also force foreigners wishing to acquire Jamaican citizenship to - perhaps under examination conditions - answer questions about our history and culture. And, until they have attained some level of mastery would not be naturalised. This could not be achieved, however, without literature and I ask - do we have the printed material, if we decide to adopt this approach?
Our Governments have a part to play in the process - They should urgently commission our universities or persons with the capability to commence the documentary or revision of whatever material currently available. The aim must be to ensure that the information is not only available but also that it is simplified for all Jamaicans.
Can we really say we are emancipated while we continue to be ignorant of our prior state?
I am, etc.,
PAT BIGNALL
wilbig@cwjamaica.com
