The EDITOR, Sir:

AS A Jamaican living abroad, I was filled with joy and anticipation as the plane flew over our beautiful blue waters and landed at the Norman Manley International Airport. During Independence Day celebrations, I felt a sense of pride as our future leaders performed at the National Stadium. This truly gave me hope for the future.

My joy, however, soon turned to sadness and my pride to disappointment. Every day, an incident, whether in the news or right outside my doorstep, almost diminishes the hope I carry ... that one day, Jamaica will rise above the social and political issues that seem to be holding it captive.

We claim our Independence and freedom but our own issues prevent our people from feeling free; free to carry out daily routines without fear; free to go to a public place without risk of being endangered by gang warfare; free to speak out against criminal elements in their own communities. Jamaica land we love has changed, in some cases for the better ... but the negatives far exceed the positives.

Jamaicans have been known all over the world as a people who are innovative, hard-working and productive. This reputation has been tarnished. Let us thrive as one people to return our 'sweet, sweet Jamaica' to its former glory.

I am, etc.,

SHARON MYERS

shay_7@hotmail.com

Via Go-Jamaica