THE EDITOR, Sir:
IN MR. SEAGA'S chronicle of the Jamaican migration over a period of 125 years, no mention was made of those Jamaicans who have migrated to mainland Europe or those who have returned to Africa. It is rather disappointing to read articles about the Jamaican Diaspora in which it is implied that Jamaicans only live in the U.S.A., the U.K. and Canada.
In Jamaican linguistic terms, places such as these are referred to as 'abroad', while places such as Belgium, France and The Netherlands are termed 'foreign'. Africa, in the Jamaican linguistic context, becomes a place not to go to, least of all a place to return to.
JAMAICANS IN OTHER COUNTRIES
The knowledge of Jamaicans living elsewhere other than 'abroad' is severely lacking in Mr. Seaga's historical recollection. It is even more disturbing to find that in promotional material and discussions regarding the Jamaican Diaspora Conference slated for mid-June and to be held in Kingston, no mention was made of the Jamaican Diaspora who live in 'foreign'.
I eagerly await the report from this conference and hope that the competent authority will begin to document the movement of Jamaicans elsewhere and their impact on foreign societies.
I am, etc.,
ELAINE CAMPBELL
emcampbell11@hotmail.com
Flevoland
The Netherlands
Via Go-Jamaica
