Brings a vision into my head

DEAR ROBERT:

It is truly a pleasure to read your articles! Your journey through the turns, ups, downs, over hills and through valleys of Jamaica, is an inspiring and enlightening one.

Reading your light-hearted content which you so eloquently and humorously explain, is refreshing and heart-warming. I must say that it literally brings tears to my eyes and a vision into my head of where I truly belong and where I will be.

For years now I have lived and travelled abroad and my heart yearns to be back home and even though I do visit on a regular basis, I am torn whenever I do have to leave.

There is undoubtedly no other country like what we have on this earth.

We are such a blessed people and your articles show that regardless of what occurs in the major cities and smaller thriving metropolises, there are places in Jamaica where you know you are home.

The love, warmth, simple contentment of the people make me even more determined to return. And God forbid should I die before that happens, I know my soul will not rest until my ashes or body are back home!

I am, etc.,

MICHAEL MCPHERSON

London, U.K., Toronto,

Canada

Mocco story draws tears

DEAR ROBERT:

I read your articles on the village of Mocco and on Shirley Castle and as I read I wept. I know this might be hard for you to understand why someone would cry while reading such, but the love I have for my country and its people moved me to tears to know that there are those who will kill or hurt their neighbours while there are those as wonderful as the people in these small villages.

It is wonderful to know that the warm and friendly people I left 25 years ago to reside in North American still exist. I truly appreciate the relationship between the Shirley Castle shopkeeper and people of the village. It reminds so much of a shop- keeper I knew during my early childhood.

On my next visit to Jamaica I would like to visit these villages, and maybe in the future I will be able to experience first hand the eloquent welcome you experienced.

Thank you for sharing your adventure with us who dream of the good old days of our beloved Jamaica.

I am, etc.,

JOY HYMAN

Memories of country life

DEAR ROBERT:

I was just reading your article on Banana Ground and I had to send this note to you when I was finished. I enjoy reading about the Jamaican country life and I look forward to them each week. But this one today had me in 'stitches' with laughter as I read Ms. Margaret's comments to the little girl buying the soap.

I hope you plan to put all these articles in a book. I grew up in the country and am a country girl at heart, so whenever I read your articles it brings back so many memories of country life.

I am, etc.,

DELORIS

delorisc@CandW.ky

Comments are quite amusing

DEAR ROBERT:

It is rather refreshing to read about the good things about my country. I have lived in Canada for the past 22 years and all I can hear is negative things about Jamaica and Jamaicans. I am always defending my Jamaica, though.

I am truly enlightened reading your articles. I didn't know there was a Banana Ground in Manchester. I thought Banana Ground was in St. Catherine.

It is really nice to know that children are still respectful of their elders. Kudos to that little girl. I liked Miss Margaret's style. We Jamaicans really like to look our best.

The comment from one of the boys playing cricket was quite amusing. I had a big laugh. I can see that children can still have fun with the little they have. I also had a big laugh to know that there is no banana in Banana Ground.

I am, etc.,

MARJORITA (MADGE)

ROBOTHAM-WHYTE

madge51@hotmail.com

Uplifting and humorous

DEAR ROBERT:

I had an opportunity to read your article 'Easy breezy Banana Ground'. From time to time I get a chance to read your articles and I must admit they are quite uplifting and humorous. God bless you.

While reading the above mentioned article, I 'put' myself in the story and thought to myself if most Jamaicans were like Ms. Margaret, Jamaica would be a much better place. Being away from Jamaica for so long, I got a chuckle out of some of the words used by Ms. Margaret during her interview with you, [real Jamaican country woman], words such as 'jing bang', 'dutty gal soap'.

Take care Robert, keep up the good work and God bless. Looking forward to your next article.

I am, etc.,

IVETT SHIELDS

Ivett.Shields@noaa.gov

Bridging the gap

DEAR ROBERT:

I just want to congratulate you on a very colourful article on Banana Ground. I am a frequent reader of your column and always find it interesting.

Columnist like you surely remind me of my boyhood days growing up in a little rural district in St. Thomas called Smithfield.

It is true that time and the desire to excel in society erodes some of our growing up memories, but I am happy that your articles come to bridge this gap.

People like Miss Margaret of Banana Ground help to instil discipline in children she comes in contact with and hence the saying, "It takes a village to raise the child', is still relevant.

Keep up the good writing

I am, etc.,

PATRICK PANTON

Patrick_Panton@jmmb.com

Lovely piece on Shirley Castle

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).

Is there a file or a link to previous articles on other places that you have visited and written about in Jamaica? I would like to begin to visit maybe a couple of these towns each time that I am there.

I am, etc.,

REV. DON HALL