THE EDITOR, Sir:
AS A Jamaican living abroad in the French West Indies island of Martinique, I oftentimes miss my homeland and all the symbols that represent my native land. Constantly surrounded by French and French culture I often forget such things as the National Pledge and Anthem.
At times a patriotic zeal overwhelms me and I look for a copy on the World Wide Web. I listen to the National Anthem standing at attention proud to sing 'Jamaica, proud and free' because my country of residence is an overseas department, an assimilated status to the mother country (France).
Re-reading the words I wonder how Jamaica has gotten to where it is today; crime and violence seeming to be the order of the day. We were all taught the National Pledge and Anthem. I think that if the Government is willing to put aside its personal agenda and save our country from crime and violence we should emphasise such things as the Pledge and Anthem.
Let us honour their efforts to make Jamaica proud and free.
'Let us pledge our hearts, this island
As God and faith shall live
Our work, our strength and our loyalty to give'.
I am in a foreign country but my heart is in Jamaica, 'strong and free my vows and loyal promises, O heartland are to Thee.'
I am, etc.,
Mrs BOGLE-CAYOL
dcayol@yahoo.fr
Citi Floreal
Fort de France
Martinique
Via Go-Jamaica
