The letter published in Thursday's (October 22) Gleaner by Oniel Hall, a student in Barbados, should not be treated casually. This young man has expressed his views based on his experience.

Having travelled to the eastern Caribbean, I have had a similar opportunity to interact with a number of the citizens. Many of those with whom I have spoken have a negative attitude towards Jamaica and Jamaicans. I know that as Jamaicans, we sometimes go to these countries and behave in a bad way. This may, in some way, contribute to the hosti-lity towards us, but I don't believe that that is the main reason.

Everything negative published in local newspapers is carried in the newspapers of these countries. It is usually highlighted. Yet when murders and mayhem happen in these countries it is either left out or given such a small space, one would think it is a classified advertisement. It is only highlighted as a last resort when nothing else can be done. This gives the impression that these countries are crime-free and morally superior.

Those who have travelled to Jamaica are usually in awe at the beauty of the place, the friendliness of the people and their resilience. Some say they did not know Jamaica was so technically advanced and compare us to First-World countries. They love the music and culture and try to copy as much as they can. They cannot get enough of the nightlife.

Caribbean integration

Many people will point back to the withdrawal of Jamaica from the 'Federation', and use this to say Jamaica is not really in favour of Caribbean integration, notwithstanding the work of Michael Manly and more recently P. J. Patterson.

Jamaicans are go-getters. We excel at most things, even crime, violence and corruption. When we go to these countries, we are usually in charge. They hate it, and are jealous. The economic models we had in the 1970s and 1980s did not work for us but they adopted them and they have worked for them. The final court of appeal should be in our own yard. I understand the Caribbean Court of Justice currently has its headquarters in Trinidad, but can be moved to any of the supporting countries if necessary. That system could work for us.

Jamaicans should believe in themselves and remember that the world, not only the Caribbean, is watching.

I am, etc.,

NEBERT PRYCE

nebertpryce@yahoo.com

Grenada