|
| Letter of the Day
November 25,
1999
Tapping into overseas J'cans THE EDITOR, Madam JAMAICANS REPEATEDLY discuss, and sometimes boast about the highly talented people Jamaica has produced. One aspect of this truly great attribute of the Jamaican people, not often mentioned, is the fact that a significant portion of that talent pool lies in the overseas Jamaican community. Indeed, despite lip service from all governments over the 37 years of political Independence, recruitment of qualified overseas Jamaicans remains, for most part, a promise. The failure is pervasive. Thus, it is still fashionable for Jamaican public service agencies to ignore the services of qualified overseas Jamaican firms and professionals and engage needed services from other communities. A column in The Gleaner of November 8, 1999, entitled 'Security Council Politics' reflects, to some degree, this sad, enduring attitude. The last third of the column is a critique manifesting the ignorance and narrow-minded view of a small academic/professional elite which believes that by virtue of its position in the society it has a right, a priority to any and all important public service appointments. The column unmasks a partisan, petty and truculent attitude masquerading behind a facade of presumed objectivity. Apparently unknown to the columnist is the fact that there are highly qualified individuals, even if from a 'small' law firm(s), who can provide outstanding leadership and representation of Jamaica in the Security Council. As regards this appointment, it matters not whether one is from a small or large firm. What matters is the educational qualification, the breadth of professional experience, the familiarity with international issues and the demonstrated leadership ability of the individual. What matters is that a person from a small law firm, sufficiently interested in international affairs, has abundant opportunities in cities like Washington DC and New York, for example, to be better informed on such matters than the Foreign Ministry officials. It is ludicrous to posit the notion that these officials are necessarily the persons best able to represent Jamaica in Security Council. This elite group within the Jamaican Foreign Ministry has no monopoly on knowledge of international affairs within either the local or overseas Jamaican community. Furthermore, it is a particularly invidious practice in Jamaica to use political affiliation as a negative factor when evaluating the ability of individuals to serve their country. Finally, if the 'putative representative' to be appointed is as the critic fears, then all praises to the Jamaican Government. It's a proper and long overdue recognition of the talent pool in the overseas Jamaican community. I am, etc., RANSFORD B. MCKENZIE, |
| Corruption: the
people must be told
THE EDITOR, Madam: CORRUPTION AT any level of Government must be reported to the people. To impose fines and imprisonment to the publishers of this information, is to thwart democracy and shows to the world that a government who would impose such punishment is indeed corrupt itself, from the start. My family who founded The Gleaner would be appalled to know that any government of Jamaica would even propose such a law. I am, etc., WILLIAM de CORDOVA HEALEY Carib national anthems THE EDITOR, Madam: I WRITE in support of the union of the Caribbean states a reality that should have taken place many years ago. This time nothing should turn back the hands of the clock. We must begin to sing out loudly No Island Stands Alone . A former St. Lucian economist and brilliant principal of the UWI had written a number of articles and features as it relates to freedom of movement, trade, economics, viability, and co-operation. Could we ask that your researcher Mr. C. Roy Reynolds to do some work here and bring to focus some of the very ideas that could make the region viable and strong. Insularity has wrecked havoc with our Caribbean nations. We are acting, as the saying goes, like crabs in a barrel. As regards to the National Anthems of each member state, let me say, I know and can recognise the British National Anthem, the US National Anthem, the German National Anthem and the Canadian National Anthem; but I do not know nor can I recognise any other Caribbean national anthems. I am proud, very proud of our Jamaica National Anthem. The words and music are second to none and we do not know it well. There are two accidentals in each verse 'Leaders' and 'Send' which are not sung properly. I challenge you to do a random check at any organisation, school, club; even political meetings and prove this for your self. I would recommend that we need more airplay and TV play once per week for the rest of the year of 'Jamaica Land We Love'. I am, etc., W.W. HIGGINS, O.D., J.P.
Outstanding women's list incomplete THE EDITOR, Madam: FIRST OF all let me commend your newspaper (Gleaner publication) of October 27th, 1999, (pages C-12 to C-14) on the article 'Outstanding Women through the Century'. However, before one embarks on such a publication, much work and research needs to be done, in order not to hurt anyone who may have been omitted, or did great work or make sufficient contribution. I find it a bit surprising that names such as the Hon. Dr. Joyce Robinson, (the Library, JAMAL & Broadcasting, to name a few of her achievements); Lady Allan (the Jamaica Federation of Women); Leila Thomas (Library & JAMAL); Aimee Webster Delisser (Horticulture); Amy Bailey and May Farquharson, (that wonderful team of philanthropists and social services) should be left out. Mary Morris-Knibb (Education) played a pivotal role. More could have been said about the work of Edna Manley and our beloved Lady Busta-mante. The latter still holds the position of Treasurer of the BITU, since 1938, 61 years in that position. Edna Manley did much in the 1938 struggle for the port workers with the help of Aggie Bernard, in feeding them and her Annual Fundraising 'Drumblair Dance' for charity. Maybe a supplementary list should be published. I am, etc., 'KEEN OBSERVER'
Emigration patterns THE EDITOR, Madam: I HAVE been reading with great interest the informative articles by C. Roy Reynolds which reflect issues discussed in The Gleaner of bygone days, and I was particularly interested by the article of Monday, September 20th, "Counting the Population". As I am a sociologist (and one who has worked specifically in the field of population studies) it was impressive to read the quotation from the editorial of The Gleaner of April 6th, 1901, on the potential usefulness of "these sociologist stock-takings" such as the census. The language used, and the sentiments expressed, reflect a very admirable grasp of the importance of the subject, even as far back as the beginning of the present century. I write to take issue, however, with one comment which Mr. Reynolds made in the article. He stated, "...The Gleaner's April 6 editorial cited one destination which has seldom been mentioned or recognised in the intervening years and has been completely forgotten in recent times...' A large outflow of the labouring population has taken place to Ecuador and a leakage to Central America'." In response, I would like to point to the well-known Jamaican folk song: "Solomon granpa gone a Ecuador The emigration destinations of the late 19th century, to places such as Venezuela (consider George Stiebel of Devon House fame), Ecuador and Mexico, are embedded in our folk knowledge to a certain extent, and are not necessarily forgotten although overshadowed by such better known destinations as Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua. I present lectures every year at the University of the West Indies on Caribbean migration, and I make sure to give students as wide a grasp as possible of the scope of Caribbean emigration in the post-Emancipation period, up to the end of the 19th century, as well as the better-known 20th century migrations. Many of these students are teachers or public servants, so I am hopeful that this knowledge is retained and also disseminated to pupils and others. I am, etc., HERMIONE McKENZIE A little courtesy please THE EDITOR, Madam ONE WOULD think that the Police assigned to the Passport Office would be specially trained to deal with the public courteously and respectfully. Unfortunately this is not always the case as some officers on duty think that applicants are criminals and should be treated as such. Is there no one in a position of responsibility who checks on these officers to determine their fitness for dealing with the public? A passport is the right of every citizen, paid for by taxpayers and individual fees. Some simple good manners is required. We are fast becoming a nation that accepts uncouth behaviour. It's time to call a halt. I am etc., DOREEN McLEOD-BRAMWELL Lack of leadership THE EDITOR, Madam: THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL, Senator A.J. Nicholson, in The Gleaner of Saturday, November 6, urges citizens to comment on the provisions of the Charter of Rights Bill an act to amend the Constitution. Although there has recently been clear evidence of citizens joining groups and demonstrating on some matters which immediately affect them, such matters do not often include proposals which, if passed into law without amendment will affect us all for a long time to come. Another important matter is the proposal that the Privy Council should cease to be our final Court of Appeal. This lack of interest by citizens is due to our lack of leadership and of education. So it may be unkind to say, as is often done, that our citizens deserve the government and type of laws which are imposed on them. I am, etc., E.E. FRASER
|
|
 |