The Editor, Sir:

It is this time of the year when we as a people feel proud of who we are, and where we are coming from. It is that time when we identify with the struggles of our forefathers and what they have done to bring us as a people and nation to what we are today.

In celebrating our history, we however need to recognize some of our trailblazers living abroad. There are many Jamaicans who have migrated abroad to countries such as the United States, Canada, England and other countries that have made us proud to be Jamaicans.

These people have come from humble backgrounds in Jamaica and have not only made a name for themselves but for all of us.

A songwriter once said "don't scatter roses after I am gone, give them to me while I carry on".

Even though the Jamaican diaspora is trying, I think more effort is needed on the part of the Jamaican Government to be able to show more appreciation for the work these people are doing.

I look at a station like CIN TV and I feel proud to see them capture what is happening in Jamaica with Jamaican-born Donna Cooper Toure as one of the hosts, the Gil And Pat Bailey show, DJ Squeeze from Kiss Fm, Irie Jam, VP Records, Moodies Record, Royal Caribbean Bakery, C.M.C. Furnishing, Henricas Restaurant, Bold Step, May Knight, People's Choice, Blue Mahoe, Yardman Design, CLM TV, Century 21, Vernon's Jerk, Jeff Barnes, Una and Yvette Clarke, Lowell Hawthorne, The Door, Tobias/Stoddart Realty, Trans Continental, Dennis Shipping and Trin Jam, these people and their companies have contributed significantly to Jamaica and its full time we recognize and appreciate them before they pass.

I am sure the Ministry of Education could benefit from doing a study on these Jamaicans living abroad, where they were born, where they are now and how they are making their contribution.

In this Black History Month, I, Careen Juliet Small, proudly salute all of you my fellow Jamaicans who have made it clear to me that one's past does not dictate one's future. We are proud sons and daughters of the soil, Jamaica Land we love.

If as fellow Jamaicans living abroad believe in what I am saying you contact me at 718-561-4503 or email learning.center@yahoo.com

I am, etc.,

CAREEN SMALL

learning.center@yahoo.com

Bronx, New York

Via Go-Jamaica