THE EDITOR, Sir:

The Hear the Children's Cry committee is urging all Jamaicans to use the current outpouring of pride and joy in our successful Olympic athletes to power a renewed commitment to peace and unity nationwide.

Jamaicans are so united in their overwhelming feelings of pride in the outstanding performances of our athletes in Beijing that it has created a powerful groundswell of patriotism and positive 'togetherness'. Let us capitalise on this wonderful opportunity to unite, not only for celebrations, but also for real and lasting peace.

So, we are calling for all Jamaicans to maximise on the unity we are feeling today, and to stand behind the people in all violence-torn communities as they work for peace.

Call for ceasefire

The call for peace and unity has long been coming from people in troubled inner-city communities. Many of Jamaica's successful Olympians were born in similar circumstances to those.

These Olympics have been doubly inspiring for us as the successes of our athletes have shown that no matter how poor you may be, the opportunities are there for you to succeed!

Let us use this opportunity to call for a ceasefire in this time of celebration and let us use the opportunity to begin meaningful dialogue with the young men and others perpetrating the violence.

The Hear the Children's Cry committee urges both the private sector and individual citizens to take the positive momentum a step further, by providing practical assistance to children, young people and families that are struggling to survive in the extremely challenging current financial climate.

Here is an opportunity for people to mentor a child, to help a student with back-to-school supplies, books, and school expenses, and to provide life-saving support to the many families that are finding it virtually impossible to provide even the basic essentials for their young ones.

I am, etc.,

BETTY ANNE BLAINE

Convenor

Hear the Children's

Cry committee