The Editor, Sir:

With one hand, our corporate giants 'lent' their support to the Government in funding the celebration of our athletes and with another they took it back. As a marketer, I'm fully aware of the need to gain mileage and adequate exposure from sponsorship. However, it was with utter dismay and disgust that I watched the black, green and gold compete for space with the colours of our corporate giants in last Friday's float parade and the gala at the National Stadium, which by the way was a complete fiasco.

The float, at first glance was by no means a reflection of Jamaica land we love. Looking on, one would think that it was a private company's float, at least until it passed and we happened to see a piece of Jamaica with our national colours barely visible. To corporate Jamaica, I say "shame on you". If you love and respect Jamaican pride, you would at least give us the satisfaction of feeling like proud Jamaicans as we celebrate our athletes.

And to make matters worse, the Government stood by and allowed corporate Jamaica to 'take over' a national celebration and make a mockery of a culture. That they had our athletes escorted by scantily clad men and women was a downright disgrace. Surely we were expecting a classy event like the Independence Gala in August which left us all feeling proud for days after the event. I refuse to believe that a government agency like the JCDC with a good track record of putting on a great show would have planned the fiasco, which unfolded on Saturday.

The Government must understand that if it accepts sponsorship from corporate Jamaica for national events, some amount of governmental control must be maintained in the organisation of the event.

Poor display

But how can we expect any better when we all watched the poor display as our Minister of Sport paraded through Half-Way Tree on Friday waving and touching the crowd as if she had also won a medal in Beijing or that she had anything to do with the success of our athletes.

And finally, why wasn't our very successful coach, Stephen Francis, given a national award. Regardless of years of service, this man has produced stellar performances through the MVP Track Club over the last few years. Is this a continuation of the Boltmania, while sidelining the performances of our other athletes? Hats off to Glen Mills for coaching Usain Bolt. But what of the others and their coach who brought us national pride?

I am, etc.,

ANN-MARIE CAMPBELL

marieanncampbell@gmail.com