I am amazed that so many Jamaicans took time out to rebuke Sir Trevor McDonald for the comments he made about the lovely island paradise called Jamaica. How could he?

While I am not tremendously happy about the portrayal of my country, one cannot deny that the negativity which is levelled against us at times is because of the reality in our backyard. After all, you can't stop the man from speaking his mind, regardless of his motives.

Sir Trevor did not speak of the white sands and the cascading falls, so I can understand why so many are upset. But no need getting upset because we cannot take him to court for the comments he made. We have no case. What we all should do is admit to our ills and as a country pitch in to change our image. In the same way we can beat our chest and big up Jamaica when we are on top, we should not cry when our critics blindside us with a dose of our own reality.

I am, etc.,

AUDLEY GILPIN Jr

audleygilpin@yahoo.com

Toronto, Canada