Culture, sports are effective tools

Culture and sport hold the key to many of Jamaica's most critical problems. Culture and sport can unleash unprecedented national pride. We were reminded of this first-hand in recent weeks, first with the Jamaica Festival Grand Gala and Street Parade, an event which touched the hearts and soul of many even far away in the diaspora.

Again, most recently, with the success of our athletes in China. Cultural and sport activities can keep our youth busy, give them goals and aspirations, but most importantly, it's something we all can share and celebrate.

The Government and private businesses need fully to support culture and sport as tools for national development. Culture and sport can also be used to boost tourism and help the economy. The Jamaica Tourist Board could never pay for the international publicity Jamaica has received recently as our athletes excel at the Olympics.

- P. Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com

Toronto, Canada

Standing by Asafa

I must say that while I am very happy that Usain won the gold for Jamaica, I am disappointed that Asafa did not do better in the race. I know that, as Jamaicans, we can be very unforgiving in situations such as these. However, I think that what we need to support him and help him find his mark. Nothing can be gained by negative criticism.

However while I am happy for Bolt, Asafa is still my favourite runner, (followed by Michael Frater), as I am always impressed and moved, not by sudden greatness, but by those, who, regardless of obstacles, persevere in spite of the odds.

- Joy

bandylegjoy@yahoo.com

Albion Estates, S. Thomas

What better ambassadors!?

It is great to see that crime has taken a back seat to the wonderful performance that our athletic ambassadors are doing in the Olympics. They have done what our leaders would like to see and that is uniting the country for a cause. I beamed with pride when I heard the commentators in the United States talking about Jamaica versus US.

Our little island can stand tall with the greatest. What better ambassadors could we ask for? What better advertisement for Jamaica?

Many of us have found our Jamaican flags; and searched the closets for all the greens, blacks and gold that we can find. We now wear our colours with pride. Much love to all the athletes!

- Sherry Southe

Rosedale, New York