The EDITOR, Sir:I WOULD just like to take the opportunity to commend the efforts of the honourable Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Roger Clarke, for the initiative to sensitize Jamaicans to eating Jamaican.
Apart from issues of food security and economic regeneration the salient point of cultural preservation and renewal is also of vital importance.
Without a doubt, culture and identity are mutually constituted. Food, as one expression of culture, offers a powerful site for demonstrating national affection and commitment.
For Jamaicans home and abroad, the Jamaican palette of dishes still represents a focal point for fellowship. If such a step can enlarge the numbers whose bellies can be filled, then the more adverse demonstrations of social hunger can be tempered, if not relieved.
I am etc
RYAN ONEAL PHILLIP PALMER
roppalmer@hotmail.com
Godstone, Surrey, England
Via Go-Jamaica
