THE EDITOR, Sir:
IF ALL Jamaicans were to see the myriad of possibilities that exist with the building of Highway 2000, many would perhaps not be as cynical and harsh as they have been about the plan.
The truth is, we must begin to learn when to quit party bashing. Elections are near, and we immediately deduce that this announcement by Government is a PR stunt, an election gimmick. Where credit is due, give it! Government has been speaking steadfastly about the economic benefits to be had, especially in the areas of agriculture and tourism. In the latter sector I foresee the beginning of a thriving cultural heritage tourism product for Jamaica. Yes, Heritage Tourism! I literally saw the smiling faces of my ancestors flashing before my eyes when I read about plans to develop a Maroon Heritage Theme Park in Accompong! Let us ponder on the social and cultural release that we can all (local and foreign) experience at such a venue. People, let's not lose sight of who we are, let's not lose sight of the importance of celebrating and showcasing our history and heritage! It is my sincere hope that Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Karl Binger of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCO) will be afforded the opportunity to aggressively begin the campaign to bring cultural heritage tourism to the island's communities. I heard 'Mr. Know-It-All' talk-show host Mutty Perkins lamenting what he refers to as Jamaica's inability to attract tourists to historic landmarks like Accompong and Moore Town. I fail to believe that Mr. Perkins is unaware that Jamaica has been promoting community tourism for sometime now, and there are plans afoot to do major work in communities that boast rich cultural heritage.
Perhaps the Ministry of Tourism and TPDCO should heighten their public education campaign regarding Government's plans for the tourism sector, with particular emphasis on cultural heritage tourism. Then and only then will we shut up the cynical and obstructive comments that we get from Jamaicans who are clearly unaware of what is going on in their country!
I am etc.,
J. LINDSAY
Kingston 17
