THE EDITOR, Madam:
The greatest gift Jamaica has given the world is its rich and vibrant culture. Arguably, no other culture in the world has had the influence and impact that Jamaica’s culture has.
As a result of Jamaica’s culture, international, non-Jamaican reggae artistes – like Snow (from Canada), Gentleman (from Germany), Alberosie (from Italy), SOJA and Big Mountain, both from the United States – have emerged on the music scene and made a name for themselves in the reggae music industry.
Bob Marley has influenced the musical artistry of many successful world-famous artistes, including Bono (U2), John Lennon (The Beatles), Mick Jagger (The Rolling Stones), and Eric Clapton.
Another aspect of Jamaica’s musical culture, the sound system has also been highly impactful and influential, globally. David Rodigan, multiple winner of World Champion Clash, and Mighty Crown, called ‘The Far East Rulers of Dancehall’, operate two of the most successful sound systems in Britain and Japan, respectively.
Jamaican foods, especially jerk sauce, jerked chicken and beef patties, have had a huge impact commercially and on the culinary scene in the US, Canadian, and British food and restaurant industries.
Last, Miss Lou’s contribution to Jamaica’s culture, through her poems and songs in the Jamaican dialect, showed Britain and the world just how wonderful and unique Patois is and how and why it should be retained, celebrated and indeed, cherished.
PATRICK GALLIMORE