THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WENT to bed at about 7:00 on Wednesday night, May 21, 2003, but I couldn't sleep for long. I woke up at exactly 3:30 a.m. and began getting ready. Do you know getting ready for what? It was to face the rather exciting day ahead of me. Thursday morning bright and early, two other students and I, who were the three selected from my school, met with our principal, Ms. Chambers, who would be taking us to the airport.
There we met 15 other students and their teachers, making a group of 24. Meeting the others was a bit strange at first as we all came from the rival communities of Rema, Trench Town, Denham Town and Tivoli.
Nevertheless, we were all looking forward to going to Sandals Beach Resort via Air Jamaica, courtesy of Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, who gave an invitation to Lorna Stanley, who in turn extended the invitation to us. We checked through Customs as any of the other passengers, baggage and all. The take-off was new to me but very exciting, as I had never been on a plane before.
When we arrived at Negril, we were met by the staff of Beaches and a team of news reporters. We felt like tourists. We were treated to lunch while we enjoyed the ambience of the resort. We participated in a range of activities such as egg-and-spoon races, dance competition, banana boat sailing or just plain swimming. I was just relaxing on a floating bed, soaking up the idea of being in a pool. Everyone enjoyed himself immensely, not remembering that we were from volatile rival communities.
Alas! The day ended all too soon and we were ready to head back home, each one to our normal lives. We all received a little token in the form of a necklace to keep as a souvenir, and I'll always cherish mine. On the flight home, everyone had so much to say. We all felt like royalty. We didn't need any wealth or riches. We needed nothing but our intelligence and good behaviour.
I would like other students to get the opportunity to feel the way I felt that day. But most of all, I would like the adults to see that if we, as children, could put the past behind us and be as one, then they, too, can follow our example and do the very same. Not just for a day, but for every day of their lives.
Thank you, Mrs. Stanley, for extending your invitation to us. Thank you, Mr. Stewart, for offering the invitation in the first place. And, last but not least, thank you, Ms. Chambers, for selecting me as one of the 'High Threes'. The 22nd of May, 2003 will be indelibly written in my mind.
I am, etc.,
WHITNEY LEWIS (14 years old)
Boys Town All-Age
Wilton Gardens (Rema)
Kingston 12
