THE EDITOR, Sir:

The Jamaica National Commission for UNESCO wishes to congratulate the Government of Jamaica and, in particular, the Hon. Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, on the initiative taken towards the official declaration of February as Reggae Month and the soon to be celebrated Reggae Academy Awards.

The announcement of February as Reggae Month is a timely initiative as it not only coincides with Black History Month, but also the month in which our greatest reggae icon was born.

UNESCO, as the leading United Nations body on culture, will no doubt applaud this step by the Government of Jamaica.

Endless potential

The potential for Reggae Month and the Reggae Academy Awards are endless, particularly in working with the Jamaica National Commission for UNESCO towards having the award become a celebrated and endorsed event by UNESCO.

Jamaica's recent election to the 58-member executive board of UNESCO will provide the forum for this celebration to be presented and eventually endorsed by UNESCO.

The National Commission stands ready and committed to having Reggae Month and the Reggae Academy Awards resonate with the 191 member countries of UNESCO.

I am, etc.,

EVERTON HANNAM

Secretary-General

Jamaica National

Commission for UNESCO