THE EDITOR, Sir:JAMAICA HAS turned its back on its history and is paying the price. At no time since Independence has this country's history and heritage been as underrated and marginalised as they have been over the past decade.
Historic structures crumble, museums are closed or barely function, cultural sources are endangered, the teaching of history has become an embarrassment, historic landmarks are neglected and historical records deteriorate due to inadequate maintenance.
Much of the Caribbean -- Barbados, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, Cuba, Curacao, the Cayman Islands -- has recognised the unique value of its cultural/historical heritage both in terms of tourism earnings and to reinforce national pride and self-esteem whilst our inability to develop Port Royal, the Caribbean's potentially most remarkable visitor attraction, stands as a constant reminder of our lack of vision.
Our minimal concern and commitment (exacerbated by a lack of financial resources) is an indictment not only of the power-seekers amongst our politicians but also the affluent and influential in the private sector. "What's in it for me" is too frequently the motivating force behind our society's actions and inaction.
The price that we are paying - and future generations will pay until it is too late for remedies - can be seen in the increasing alienation of the Jamaican people towards the country of their birth. Trite as the sentiment may seem, if you do not know where you came from, you will not know who you are or where you are going. Yet, we've heard it so often in the Marley classic No Woman No Cry..." inna dis great future, you can't forget your past."
The broad and deep emotional reaction displayed by Americans to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, had as its source an innate belief in the importance of national identity.
Until we realise that only by preserving and showing appreciation for our history and heritage will we be able to say unequivocally that we respect ourselves as a sovereign nation and as a people.
I am, etc.,
ANTHONY GAMBRILL
P.O. Box 105
Kingston 10
