Refreshing break

Dear Robert:

I enjoy your articles every week. It is refreshing to take a break from the austerity of politics and crime that have permeated our island and, consequently, our newspapers.

It is nice to visit, or revisit, the nostalgic Jamaica that is rapidly eroding. Majority of Jamaicans are warm, respectable and respectful, hard-working citizens.

It is only a minority of elements that continues to spoil our beautiful country. This is a bad example of where less is sometimes more.

On the contrary, bless the people who continue to exhibit an appreciation for each other and for life itself.

­ D.K. Denniston Dennistond@aol.com.

Thanks for sharing

Dear Robert:

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story ­ it's like a breath of fresh air.

I'm at work sitting at my desk and believe me I had a visual of the nine hour a day fog and I could hear the rain tapping on the roof, not to mention the smell of the vegetation!

It's great to know that little districts like Shirley Castle still exist and most of all that the community is one big family. When you live in one of the biggest cities in the world, it is easy to forget what it's like to have peace and quiet.

You didn't seem any nearer to the truth as to why the 'dreadlocked man' bought two pounds of pig tail ­ or did you draw the conclusion that he was not of the Rastafarian faith?

You also seemed surprised that you were answered 'eloquently'. Don't be, the only shop in the community is a meeting ground for all where they can hold stimulating and meaningful conversations, not to mention, even the 'Queen's English'!

­ Murie Darby

FOCUS Programme

Wolters Kluwer (UK) Ltd

murie.darby@wolterskluwer.co.uk

Inspired to visit places

Dear Robert:

I am a Jamaican who lives abroad. I thoroughly enjoyed your piece on Shirley Castle. I visit Jamaica every year (sometimes twice yearly). I would like to begin to visit maybe a couple of these towns each time that I am there.

- Rev. Don Hall

wordlover29203@yahoo.com.

Born and bred there

Dear Robert:

I just read your article on Shirley Castle. I was born in Shirley Castle in the house above the shop where you interviewed the residents.

The shop where you held the interview was once my church built by my late grandfather, my mother now owns the shop and the house connected to it.

I enjoyed your interview immensely and was happy to see Shirley Castle in the news.

I currently live in Atlanta, Georgia, with most of my family in America but we still keep in touch with the community, via cellular phones.

- J.C.Green

Joan.Green@sss.gov