The Editor, Sir:

For many years the debate on the qualification for award of National Heroes has raged on. Some persons are of the view that some persons so named should not have been accorded the title, and that there are persons not so named that should have been included.

As a people, we tend to reserve the periods leading up to Emancipation, Independence and Heritage Week to place emphasis on our cultural traditions. So, as we approach Emancipation and Independence, I want to put forward the proposition that we rethink our national dish - ackee and salt fish.

My reasons for making this proposition include the retail price of both ackee and salt fish and more so the seasonality of ackee. Additionally, there is still the fear factor of the possibility of being poisoned if the fruit is not allowed to ripen without human intervention.

Common feature

So, what then should replace the ackee and salt fish? I believe that more Jamaicans gravitate towards curried goat and manish water and own it as our own more than any other thing that we eat. How many times do we see people leaving from one end of the island to the other for a curried goat feast? A very common feature of most, if not all, of our festivities, is curried goat. Could we really call together a gathering to share/eat ackee and salt fish?

I believe that now is the opportune time to begin the debate with a view to revisiting the choice that was made by our forefathers. We need to examine the arguments for and against the moot and proceed accordingly.

I am, etc.,

PAT BIGNALL

wilbig@cwjamaica.com