Dear Minister Bartlett:

It is with a very heavy heart that I write this letter. I have operated Treasure Tours out of Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, since 1995 and this is the first occasion of my addressing a letter to the minister of tourism.

I've just been notified of the cancellation of the 2009 Calabash literary festival. I truly wish I was one of the guest speakers of the festival because then I might have the words and talent needed to express my profound disappointment at the Ministry of Tourism for allowing this festival to be cancelled.

revenue earner

One reason for my disappointment is economic. Yes, this festival brings in a good shot of revenue at a time when tourism is normally slow and this will certainly be felt throughout our small community. But that is not the economic reason I am referring to.

What I am referring to is the sponsorship of the jazz festival of US $500,000 from the Tourism Enhancement Fund. I do not know for sure of further government sponsorship for this one particular festival, but would be quite curious to know. This is sponsorship for a festival bringing in world-renown artistes to come and perform at a festival which is, frankly, financially out of reach for the majority of us living in this country. So why not give the US$40,000 sponsorship requested by the Calabash literary festival, which promotes Jamaican and Caribbean authors and is accessible to all, as it is free?

I would guess the long-term rewards for Jamaica and the Caribbean for promoting writers and poets publishing works recording and depicting life in the Caribbean and the lives of its diaspora ( including the printed word of Patois) would far outlast an expensive night of dancing with some superstars.

With all due respect, I have to assume you've never attended this festival, because if you had, you would see, first-hand, how this small festival personifies all that is good about our country, its history, its culture, its heritage, its politics, and its amazing people. In one weekend, under one tent, I have seen folks from every social and economic background commingle, listen to and appreciate each other - all for free. I've been brought to tears more than once, both in laughter and sorrow.

community tourism

I've felt uncomfortable with some of the topics discussed and felt the tension in the air regarding topics as controversial as politics, gay rights, racism, etc. But through it all, everyone listened, and everyone was respectful, minds were broadened and appreciation for alternative viewpoints was always shown. An exercise in tolerance, isn't that what we need more of?

In a country where the illiteracy rate is so high, shouldn't we promote a festival where the line at the bookstore is at least 10 people deep throughout the entire weekend?

In a time when the name Jamaica is synonymous with high crime, shouldn't we be recognising a place which promotes community tourism, where you are encouraged to 'walk out' and meet the people, where we pride ourselves on the fact of no private beaches?

I mourn the loss of this festival this year. I feel like I have been told my best friend won't be coming to visit me. But on a national level, I can't help but feel a greater loss. Maybe this festival does not bring in the big money, but it sure brings in the big pride, and isn't that incalculable?

I am, etc.,

REBECCA WIERSMA

Treasure Tours on Jamaica's

South Coast Ltd.