THE EDITOR, Sir:
JAMAICANS SHOULD take pride in the fact that we continue to make notable contributions on the international stage in the areas of sports, education, music, cuisine, etc.
While I am mindful of the social disparity and the high crime rate, it is necessary to pause and reflect on the achievements of some Jamaicans who have been recognised around the Caribbean and throughout the world. We must acknowledge the contribution of our forefathers who laid the social cornerstones that are reflected in (i) a sound education system; (ii) the need for entrepreneursip in our economic development; (iii) a strong sense of discipline in character building; (iv) a healthy democratic tradition; (v) religious principles and the belief in the brotherhood of man.
However, for us to maintain nation building, all of us, parents, teachers, policemen, workers and clergy, must communicate the above values to our youths. We should let them know that they should not be weary in well-doing because in the end, the rewards will be the envy of less disciplined societies.
Let us encourage our youths to defend the very best that the nation has to offer and suggest that they embrace the inspiring words of Longfellow: "The heights by great men reached and kept, were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companiones slept, were toiling upward in the night."
I am, etc.,
LENNON C. HENRY
Lauderhill, Florida
