THE EDITOR, Sir:
WHILE THERE is an abundance of negative issues on which talk-show hosts and news editors engorge themselves daily, I wish to highlight a very positive observation: the annual Maroon festivities in Accompong Town.
I am not in tune with the inner-workings of the TPDCO, but it is evident that this organisation is making a positive impact on the life of many "ordinary" Jamaicans in that community. One was encouraged to see the level of organisation and obvious planning that went into what appeared to be a successful staging of this year's event.
Due to, among other things, the influence of American urban culture (via cable television) many of our rural communities are rapidly losing their cultural identity and dying economically. What was staged in Accompong Town represents one of the few phenomena that may save Jamaica from direct collision with anarchy and hopelessness. The entire community was alive with enthusiasm and a joyous pride in their identity and "livety". From the heartbeat rhythms of the drummers, the richness of the culinary expressions, to the orderliness of the young men in depicting the military discipline of their fore-parents, the entire event was a refreshing breath of fresh air.
What is most important is that the residents had a chance to derive financial benefit, or as many Jamaicans like to term it, "eat a food".
Big up to the TPDCO and the organisers for showing the world a little of what is "right" with Jamaica!
I am etc.,
DONOVAN WRIGHT
dvan_1@hotmail.com
P.O. Box 205
Montego Bay
