THE EDITOR, Sir:
RECENTLY, I was reflecting on the past, and on the things I grew up seeing, things that motivated and lifted me up from my life of poverty. Of these one thing stood out most prominently, the Independence celebrations. Why? Could it have been because of patriotism? No, I was but a child. It had more to do with the talent and brilliance of our young people that were showcased at this time.
These performances were usually broadcast by the then Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation, a couple of months leading up to the Grand Gala. These programmes would carry a wide array of dances, recitals and skits. I personally found these to be inspiring to a young person seeking an outlet to relieve the problems of being raised in a broken home. It was as if I was stuck in a dark tunnel, then suddenly a beacon of light shone through, children like myself gallivanting, laughing, putting smiles on the faces of our young and old alike. I knew then that I had hope, because if they could, then so could I.
If I was able to benefit from these performances then obviously the country was also benefiting.
I wonder if a cultural suicide had not been committed when our local television station changed hands. To my way of thinking this has robbed the young people of this country of their right to a heritage that has been passed down to us by our forefathers and should have continued to be passed down.
But alas, that isn't the case; with the introduction of cable television with the aiding and abetting of our two 'supposedly' local stations we are inundated with American and European programmes that proudly show the world their youths and their creativity. This has only succeeded in limiting our own talent to snapshots and glimpses of what was, but no longer is.
For these reasons I weep with a profound sense of loss, for my culture that is no longer available to my children or me. Please I implore you TVJ and CVM give our dying culture a chance. Announce it; broadcast it 'show it off' give Jamaica a chance to shine. Show that we are more than crime, violence, poverty and division, show that we are a people of inspiration, laughter, peace and togetherness.
I am, etc.,
TRICIA JOHNSON
Kingston 16
