The Editor, Sir:

The observance in Jamaica of the bicentenary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade is indeed appropriate and commendable, and I hope that the year's commemorative activities planned will not be terminal in scope, but the lessons learned will continue in perpetuity.

What is desperately needed is something tangible and permanent to help keep our African heritage alive, and also stand as a memorial dedicated to our African ancestors who suffered from the horrors of slavery.

Black Museum

There is no better way to keep our African heritage alive than the establishment of a state-of-the-art Black Museum in Jamaica.

This should be a comprehensive museum that deals with all aspects of our African heritage from the horrors of the 'Middle Passage' and the history of Africa that preceded this tragic event to the outstanding achievements and contributions of Jamaicans of African ancestry, both past and present.

It is my contention that since Britain benefited enormously from the free labour of our African ancestors, the government of Britain has a moral obligation to finance the establishment of such a museum. Surely, this is a realistic form of reparation compensation for the stark exploitation of our African ancestors. This is not too much to ask.

I am, etc.,

RUPERT JOHNSON

r.b.johnson@sympatico.ca

Toronto, Ontario

Canada