The Editor, Sir:

It is interesting that pollster Bill Johnson mentioned on the front page of The Sunday Gleaner of May 20, with headline "PNP pushes ahead", that one of the reasons why that party had a better rating over the JLP was the feeling of national pride that many Jamaicans had when the country co-hosted the ICC Cricket World Cup recently.

It is no surprise that the majority of Jamaicans think that Cricket World Cup 2007 was good for the country. My research reveals that this spectacular event generated business opportunities, upgraded Jamaica's infrastructure, strengthened community bonds and, without a doubt, Jamaicans were proud to have co-hosted this occasion .

Expanded Jamaica's image

Mr. Editor, it is true when it is said that as a country 'wi likkle but wi tallawah', because with Jamaica co-hosting Cricket World Cup 2007, it expanded Jamaica's image worldwide and so we got a boost, showing that we are serious about trade and investment. Having Sabina Park refurbished with state-of-the-art facilities and the new multipurpose stadium in Trelawny, can only enhance our sports tourism, as we make plans for future international events. With the launching of the initiative 'Brand Jamaica', people all over the world can see that 'Today's Jamaica Means Business'.

Directly or indirectly, Jamaicans on a whole benefited from Cricket World Cup 2007 because economic gains are evident and, at the same time, we saw our country's infrastructure develop with the beautification of our towns, roadways and the restoration of many cultural buildings. We felt this national pride as Jamaicans when our reggae music was played to our visitors and when they experienced our natural resources and culture, knowing fully well that there were over 2.2 billion viewers watching across the world.

I am, etc.,

VALENTINE PEARSON

valenempearson@yahoo.com

Cornwall Courts, Montego Bay