AIR JAMAICA is the world's best airline. I have flown on Air Jamaica at least three times each year to New York and Atlanta. I have observed their hospitality and safe destinations. Air Jamaica is by far the best.
I cannot say the same, however, when it comes to jazz and blues festivals and the selection of artistes to perform for the Jamaican and tourist audiences. Beres Hammond is one of our best reggae singers, Babyface is an American hip-hop star which appeals to the very young. Yolanda Adams is an R&B singer who is active in the struggle for fame and fortune. Bobby Blue Bland was well known when I went to live in New York in 1964. Stephanie Mills who had a big hit song I Never Knew Love Like This Before and her great acting achievement on broadway as 'Dorothy' in The Wiz. Harry Belafonte is an American black calypso singer whose song Banana Boat sold a million copies in the United States of America. Carl Thomas, Karen Smith and Classico Del Son are stars that shine in Air Jamaica's sky, but not necessarily on the national music stage.
What Jamaicans need now is good music that may convert some of our so-called Dance Hall craze to real music appreciation of good jazz, blues or ballads, most of all love songs. At this time, Air Jamaica may be looking for a successful business year as this our national airline reported in 2000. Business was good because 'Butch' Stewart, chairman, and I might add, a world-class businessman, was all over the world looking for new destinations.
Now Air Jamaica can take you almost anywhere in the world, but jazz and blues festival? Air Jamaica has proven success in the airline business and I suggest that Air J remain in that business.
