The Editor, Sir:

Hurricane Dean has left myself and other members of the diaspora in fear and trembling. This is due to the fact that we have been unable to communicate with our family and friends (especially in the rural and most affected areas).

The little that I have been reading from online clippings and articles have shown however, that the impact of 'Dean's' hit is still quite minimal; when compared to Ivan and even 'Gilbert', and for that Jamaica, we must give God thanks.

We do, however, urge the relevant institutions to become proactive in enabling the communication systems that we may be able to contact our family there.

Our prayers are with you Jamaica. Let not your heart be troubled, neither be dismayed. Let us not drown ourselves in the sea of pity. We have been hit by worse challenges, yet we have overcome. Let us continue with the tradition of being overcomers, realising that this storm is but God's way of reminding us of his power and mercy; of refreshing and re-energising our nation and preparing us for the renaissance that is about to unfold in our nation. See every challenge as this.

I am, etc.,

JOMAIN McKENZIE

Via Go-Jamaica

jomainm@hotmail.com