The Editor, Sir:

My heart salutes Jamaica, triumphant, loud and free. As Jamaicans, we are celebrating our 44th year of independence with an outpouring of civic pride.

Although our country is not without its flaws, we have reason to celebrate. I felt such pride while watching the Independence Day celebration on TVJ.

The entire event was marked with excellence. The prayer, songs, dances, music and messages so ably captured the theme 'Together With Dedication We build Our nation.'

Fay Ellington did an excellent job narrating the programme. The Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Portia Simpson Miller, reminded us of the "absolute necessity for partnership."

The uniformed groups were smartly attired, and performed with great skill and agility. The mass band's renditions were delightful, gaining spontaneous, thunderous applause from the audience.

Let's continue to celebrate our independence and endeavour to fulfil our civic obligations. It is our personal and social responsibility combined with allegiance that are integral to the moral fibre of 'Jamaica land we love.'

I am, etc.,

MARVA. LAWSON-BYFIELD

mvbyfield@hotmail.com

MontegoBay