The Editor, Sir:

On August 6, 2008, I got a glimpse of what this nation could become if the will to persist is there and if our citizens again take pride in this great country.

I would want to thank the Government and the prime minister for giving us a day where we could feel a sense of pride in our nation.

Against the background of all the negatives in this country, the celebrations of Independence captured the longings of most of our citizens to see a Jamaica that depicts the greatness of our potential, the creativity of our people and the joy that is possible when a nation can stand together with pride and dignity.

New beginnings

I hope this will be the start of new beginnings and that the prime minister will now continue what he has started by beginning to build back the pride in this country.

All of us who here, who watched on television, and all Jamaicans living abroad, who witnessed the Grand Gala, must have felt the stirrings of a resurrection of this country.

Great job Mr Prime Minister, Madame Minister of Culture and all those who made this possible.

Perhaps it is not too ambitious to hope for an unfolding of our greatness.

I am, etc.,

FAYE E. JACOBS (Ms)

Kingston 5