THE EDITOR, Madam:
IN OUR recently concluded Popular Song Competition, I was quite disappointed with the outcome. I was especially disappointed since it seems that the current drive of the Commission is to awaken the cultural consciousness in our young people. Our Festival Queen, Ms. Taneisha McGhie, had spoken so passionately about this just moments before the staging of the contest, and at the end of the day, the recognition was given to a song, that in my humble opinion, had no content or meaning, while our youths were left standing in the shadow; even the winner seemed a little shocked that he won.
If I were to be biased, I would choose the song that the two youths did. At least it would be a strategic choice, because it would be a move in the right direction, to awaken the cultural consciousness in young people.
On the other hand, if I were to choose because of content, or purpose or simply because something else, apart from the National Anthem, made me feel proud, then I would choose the song that the two youths did.
It was meaningful and it had a wonderful theme.. "We are Jamaicans so we can". I felt a sense of pride just listening to those few words... "We are Jamaicans So We Can". The Tourist Board could use this theme or some of our other organisations that are trying so desperately to get some positives out of this country.
The only other time I feel a real sense of pride in my country is when I go to the cinema and I see our motto taking shape and form in that little enclosed area, "Out of Many One People" standing out of a sign of respect when my (our) National Anthem is being played.
I must say that I am not the only person who is disappointed. I have heard my views echoed in many quarters.
This is not good enough, JCDC. We must be careful of the things or people whom we reward. We cannot continue to bestow our honours and accolades on people who really do not deserve them. We must stand up for something at some point, or we will be left, and I dare say, not even standing, but certainly with nothing.
If popularity of a song, based on how "catchy" the music or rhythm is, is what makes it win, then this criterion is itself shallow and meaningless. We must want more and I would like to challenge the Commission to rewrite or re-emphasise the criteria for this competition so that in the future, we can have more meaningful entries and certainly more meaningful and positive festival songs, depicting our rich heritage and culture.
I am, etc.,
ANDREA C. BAKER
Greater Portmore,
St. Catherine
