The Editor, Sir:

Why are Jamaicans so obsessed with Africa and Africans? I live in London and I also understand that in Jamaica most Jamaicans seem to be obsessed with or want something to do with Africa. Why? Are we as Jamaicans only to acknowledge our African ancestry and not embrace our multi-racial society?

This year is the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade. We as Jamaicans seem to forget that the Africans were a part of the slave trade, trading their own people. We seem to dwell on the actions of the Europeans only.

A message to Jamaica and Jamaicans, we need t ourselves with progressive nations and people - countries like China, supposedly the next superpower, and Europe. We need to concentrate on getting our country out of the economical, political and social quagmire we are currently in. African nations are not progressive, so why do we want to associate with them.

We need to concentrate and build relationships with various governments and their people who are progressive and with whom we will benefit from the union.

Correct me if I am wrong. I believe Africa and Africans are not the answer.

I am, etc.,

ANGELA GRAY

grayhide@lycos.co.uk

178 Sutherland Road

Tottenham, London

Via Go-Jamaica