Patriotic signs may inspire us

THE EDITOR, Sir:

Satisfied Jamaicans have delighted in the patriotic displays that mark our Jamaica 50 anniversary celebrations. One is stirred to see buildings draped in the Jamaican colours, advertising billboards incorporating national symbols, the parades, pomp and ceremony across the island, the media recasting, recreating great memories of national life and the public's participation in all things Jamaica.

Thus, Jamaica 50 forcibly reminds us of what we know, that we are a great nation and people, a nation that produced and will continue to replicate likenesses of Marcus Garvey, Bob Marley, Carlton Alexander, Veronica Campbell-Brown and Usain Bolt.

Jamaicans are united throughout the week of festivities, buoyed by the success of Team Jamaica at the London Olympic Games. How may we replicate this spirit outside of special times and circumstances?

It may help that, at least for a while longer, we retain the patriotic advertising billboards complementing them with government-sponsored billboards that depict icons such as Miss Lou and Maas Ran, Olive Lewin, Rex Nettleford, prominent sport figures in their individual parishes, political figures in their constituencies.

How about the media, without sponsorship, continuing their highlights of the best of the Jamaican culture?

Repressive regimes are famous in their public display of images and indoctrination that keep their people subjected. Conversely, we can mount billboards across the nation that propagate the best in us as a means to inspire the nation well beyond its 50th year.

CLAUDE WILSON

jaclaudew@yahoo.com