The Editor, Sir:

On Saturday, August 12, Jamaicans in New York celebrated our island's 44th year of independence by attending the annual independence ball at the Hilton hotel in mid-town Manhattan. The black tie affair was attended by Jamaicans not only from New York, but from as far away as Canada, all eager to meet and greet our new Prime Minister. She did not disappoint. The contents of her speech kept her audience captivated for almost an hour. After her speech, she did not leave as her predecessor did when he attended the event. She spent over an hour taking photos and engaging in conversation with attendees. An area had to be secured at the rear of the venue to accommodate the personal interaction when the crowd around her table became unmanageable.

I pray all Jamaicans give her the opportunity to build a better Jamaica. The many issues facing Jamaica were not created in a day and will not be solved overnight. I hope the opposition will be part of an inclusive Government interested in what is best for all Jamaicans and not their own self interest. Let's remember our motto, 'Out of many one people'. Bloodshed by the PNP or JLP is Jamaican blood. Let's put Jamaica first.

I am, etc.,

RICHARD WOUNG

rwoung69@aol.com

New York

Via Go-Jamaica