The Editor, Sir:
I want to take this opportunity to express especially warm congratulations to the Jamaican Government and, in particular, to Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, for the outstanding work in putting the Jamaica Festival back together again.
Festival is not just a focal entertainment event to be held to coincide with Jamaica's Independence. Rather, Festival as designed by former prime minister, Edward Seaga, is an institution that embodies and highlights the nation's cultural development (performing, creative and social). It was a pity, that over the past 18 years, the cultural relevance of Festival seemed to have been lost by those responsible for the nation's cultural development.
Culture can and should be utilised as a very strong instrument to bring unity among all classes of Jamaica. It is a strong vehicle for getting the youth to be involved in popular and interesting activities, rather them having them turn to negative, self-destructive activities. Indeed, the efficient development of the nation's culture can be a meaningful deterrent to crime.
It must be noted that various research by international cultural agencies, those here in the US and, I am sure, in Jamaica, have determined that the cultural talent expressed by people in general and, the youth in particular, can be developed into profitable, long-lasting economic endeavours, and has the ability to provide thousands of jobs, and develop viable economic communities. Accordingly, Jamaica's cultural talent can de developed into a significant economic component, side by side with tourism, mining and agriculture.
Let's hope that this renewed attention being paid to Jamaica's cultural development, as expressed in the 2008 Jamaican Festival, is a renewal that will not die, if and when another government takes office.
Confident
As one associated with Jamaica's cultural development in the 1980s, and one who is directly cognisant of Minister Grange's strong commitment to the development of Jamaica's culture, I am very pleased and confident that serious attention will be given to Jamaica's cultural development, including the development of an indigenous craft industry, at last.
Congrats, and a very happy 46th birthday Jamaica and Jamaicans.
I am, etc.,
Dr GARTH A. ROSE
gartroy@aol.com
Lauderhill
Florida
Via Go-Jamaica
