The Editor, Sir:

In his moving, inspirational address to his fellow alma maters of Meadowbrook High School during its 50th anniversary celebratory dinner, past student Don Samuels made the thought-provoking point that the world had changed in significant ways during his own lifetime. He said that we were all witnesses of the coming to pass of that well-known sermon by Dr Martin Luther King, where he said that the mountains will be made low and the valleys exalted.

Who could have convinced me three decades ago, he argued, that in my own lifetime an African-American could be the frontrunner in the presidential race for the White (sic) House? The world is now a level playing field where opportunity abounds notwithstanding the obstacles. Who is more equipped to tear down those obstacles than persons who have had to struggle to achieve, an Obama, for example, he added.

Repeat of history?

His thesis was centred on the fact that the world has now become a place where no matter the ethnicity of the new-born the question can be legitimately posed, "is this the one"? In the past, the American Constitution's "We" was not made with reference to the children of former slaves. Today Obama has the support of the "We" and the newly made "We"; his very own. Is this a repeat of history when he whose feet were like burning brass and hair like wool, born in the lowly manger (ghetto) yet wise men sought him out and jealous kings caused his exodus into Africa, fulfilling the prophesy (repeated in Obama himself) that "out of Egypt (Africa) will I call my son"?

This is good news for all oppressed peoples. This is a continuation of the Mandela story, where a former prisoner becomes the head of state. Another such example is that singer/composer, the Honourable Robert Marley, of the inner city, Trench Town, is awarded the song of the century, One Love, One Heart.

The message is clear, we must never belittle the little boy who positions himself at our busy intersection anxious to clean our windshields. Neither can he make the excuse, "I am condemned because of my poverty." The rural school graduate from the hills of Trelawny may just be the one whose phenomenal run ignites and propels a little island into fame and unprecedented world recognition. The time has come when parents, irrespective of the place of birth of their little one, can without reservation ask of God, "Is this the one?"

I am, etc,

BERT SAMUELS

bert.samuels@gmail.com

Attorney-at-law

4 Duke Street