THE EDITOR, Sir:THIS WORD appears almost daily now in the Jamaican media. There's a diaspora conference here and there, with an International Diaspora Conference orchestrating the entire drama.
There's a Jamaican Diaspora Committee just about everywhere. I'm surprised the Government hasn't already established a Diaspora Ministry!
The word 'diaspora' actually refers to a dispersion or transplanting of a people (in exile), migrants, forced to leave their homelands for whatever reason(s). If Jamaicans, at home or abroad want to help Jamaica and fellow Jamaicans solve their numerous problems, it's time to put their money where their mouths are; try to understand the real reasons which forced them to leave in the first place and get on with the programme.
Practicality and common sense is by far more effective than idle gathering, idle chatter and 'carrying on' with committee formation and waving colourful flags (even the Rasta flag).
The stories we have heard of some of these overseas gatherings is almost laughable. People must realise that they actually left Jamaica for many reasons. If they now wish to help, action is by far more meaningful than words!
I am, etc.,
P. CHIN
chin_P@yahoo.com
Toronto, Ontario
Via Go-Jamaica
