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| Letter of the Day
August 13, 1999 Breaking the black barrier THE EDITOR, Madam: ON A recent morning talk show a statement was made that I cannot leave unchallenged. A lady on the show, who has been in Jamaica for 20-odd years, declared that she had broken the barrier of using Black women as fashion models. Not so, Mme. Semaj! In the 1950s I produced fashion shows at the old Myrtle Bank Hotel, where models had traditionally been white. Ralph Thompson (then a young man fresh out of university, and Abe Issa's personal assistant) and I, (as promotions officer for the House of Issa) broke the barrier by using models we thought represented the Jamaican melting-pot - black, brown, white, Chinese, Indian. We had been told that this was dangerous that "people won't want to buy clothes worn by a black girl." On the contrary; sales increased. Ralph and I were also the first to use what we then called "coloured" models in newspaper advertisements, our debut ad showing Charlie Hyatt and RoseMarie de Souza, gorgeous brownskin. Later, when we continued in the 1950s to present fashion shows for tourists at the old Tower Isle Hotel and on board cruise ships in the Kingston Harbour, we used the same formula. In fact, I'm afraid I was mischievous at Tower Isle. Our four models were black, brown, Chinese and white. As it happened, the black young woman was an American, the white young woman Jamaican-born and bred. Often visiting single gentlemen, would sidle up to me and ask, "Do you think one of your girls would have dinner with me - the American?" Our model, with a great sense of humour, would be introduced, and the male visitor would stammer his invitation. I am glad to report that Sheree ordered nothing cheaper than lobster thermidor and those were pre-all-inclusive times. I can also claim to be the first to show an afro hair-style on television. At that time I was producing a women's programme on JBC-TV. I featured Claudia Robinson, a designer, one of the first women in Jamaica to wear a natural hairstyle. The complaints poured in. "Why you try mek Jamaican ooman tun quashie?" irate viewers said. But again a trend began - and caught hold. It is hard now to think of the old bad days unless we can pride ourselves on how far we have come. Had she been in Jamaica in the 1950s, I am sure Madame Semaj would have been the first to applaud. I am, etc., CYNTHIA WILMOT |
Mikey Wallace will be missed THE EDITOR, Madam: I HAVE no wish to single out any one sector for comment in the ongoing situation in our country in which crime and violence, and this wanton loss of life continues to frighten our people and throw a damper over productivity both at the work place and at home. But I could not let the passing of musician Mikey Wallace go by without personally expressing publicly the severe loss the industry has suffered. Third World has just left Jamaica on its Spirit of Unity tour and I was moved to openly express my best wishes to them for a successful tour considering that they leave for this major tour which will keep them on the road for six weeks with the memory of Mikey still fresh in their minds. Mr. Wallace, still in his prime, was only 46 years old when his life was snuffed out in what is still being described as a puzzling and senseless killing. Mikey was an outstanding keyboard player formerly of Chalice and then Third World. Mikey's murder, which was overshadowed by Dennis Brown's passing has regrettably, also left a void in the musical fraternity which will be hard to fill and at a time when his band, Third World, was on the rebound. Jamaica let's not forget Mikey Wallace musician extraordinaire. I am etc., OLIVIA 'BABSY' GRANGE Greater tow-away discretion needed THE EDITOR, Madam: ON TWO occasions recently, I have seen Cable and Wireless vehicles being towed away a few weeks ago in downtown Kingston and today, in New Kingston. The entire country knows the problem as regarding parking both downtown and in New Kingston. Cable and Wireless is providing a vital function to the business community and to the general population. In their efforts to respond to a need from companies to repair, upgrade or increase phone service they sometimes are unable to find designated parking. Also because of the need for the telephone technicians to go back to their vehicles to get things it is necessary for them to park near to where they are working. It is unreasonable to tow their vehicles under the circumstances. Some direction needs to be exercised to leave Cable and Wireless vehicles unless they are blocking traffic. We constantly seem to be counterproductive in an attempt to implement systems. I am, etc., DIANA G. MARLEY Giving street people a home THE EDITOR, Madam: WITH REGARDS to the dumping of the street people incident, if a mishap like this did not occur all these various bodies that have crawled from underneath their rocks would not be heard from. They all are showing interest when these street people did not just come on the scene, they have been here forever. Why now are all these bodies spending money and time trying to find out who did what when they should really be using their influence in getting these people off the street. Most of these people are mentally ill and are dangerous to passers-by. Don't point a finger, get them off the street. I am, etc., JANET KELLIER Giving street people a home THE EDITOR, Madam: WITH REGARDS to the dumping of the street people incident, if a mishap like this did not occur all these various bodies that have crawled from underneath their rocks would not be heard from. They all are showing interest when these street people did not just come on the scene, they have been here forever. Why now are all these bodies spending money and time trying to find out who did what when they should really be using their influence in getting these people off the street. Most of these people are mentally ill and are dangerous to passers-by. Don't point a finger, get them off the street. I am, etc., JANET KELLIER |
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