THE EDITOR, Sir:
ON THE front page of The Gleaner 17/6/04, the colourful pictures, the glad faces of delegates and the masterly written report from Claude Mills are enough evidence to convey that it was a well-received conference held on the first day at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston.
But Mr. Editor, despite all this, I was shocked to hear a caller on a call-in programme on the 17/6/04, criticising the Prime Minister's speech, even when he was given a standing ovation, saying it was nonsense.
How many of us are familiar with the word 'diaspora' and the definitions? I consulted the dictionary and it is defined as 'scatter about', nationals living outside their homeland but maintaining their culture and identity and so on. Religious history also pointed us to the fact, that there was the dispersion of the Jews to areas outside Palestine during the sixth century B.C.; also the Babylonian exile.
The initiative of the homecoming events that were originated in St. Elizabeth is gaining momentum and is showing the true meaning of diaspora.
The realities are, your mother and place of birth you dare not deny. As I write, I remember those lampshades with the inscription 'Home Sweet Home'.
The expressions of some of the delegates could be translated into, I came, I saw, I conquered.
I am, etc.,
E.N. PERKINS
Mandeville
