KEITH 'TONY' Laing is known for his exhaustive efforts in promoting Jamaican culture. The cultural activist and host of radio station Power 106's popular Laing and Company, shares some of his views.

Q: If you were to be stranded on a deserted island name one item you would want to have that represents Jamaica?

Laing: A Bamboo raft to get off the island. Just joking. I would carry with me the Jamaican spirit of course. The spirit that has helped us to overcome every obstacle that we've faced. The same spirit that our foreparents had that helped them to withstand slavery.

Q: Over the years in promoting the Jamaican culture, what was your most enjoyable moment?

Laing: All my moments are enjoyable but I would say when Jamaica got the copyright actin 1993.

Q: Jamaica is a beautiful island, where do you like the most and why?

Laing: Where I grew up - in the heart of downtown, Kingston. Yes, Kingston in those days was different. It was clean and safe, people weren't afraid of each other and it was a safe place to walk. No matter what people say, I still love where I came from and a group of us are trying to put together a project to restore downtown to its original state where it will be safe to walk again.

Q: The most beautiful spot in Jamaica?

Laing: Every where in Jamaica is beautiful but I am always fascinated by the Junction - between St Andrew and St. Mary.

Q: If you knew you were going to die and could choose your last meal, what would it be?

Laing: That would be ackee and saltfish.

Q: What is your favourite Jamaican song?

Laing: Coming from a family of musicians I don't have any favourite music but I would choose Jimmy Cliff's 'Many Rivers to Cross' because it symbolises what the Jamaican people have been through and what we have overcome.

Q: What do you like most about Jamaica?

Laing: Our largest resource, the Jamaican people. They will give you the best of everything not knowing who you are. As a stranger in their home they will give up their beds, sleeping with their children so you can have comfort. In other countries this is not so. They prefer to keep the best and give you leftovers.

Q: Many Jamaicans have migrated, why do you choose to stay?

Laing: Most of my family members are abroad but here if you don't have any money in your pocket you are still somebody. This is not so when you are abroad. This is where I belong that is why people always say, "Jamaica mi bawn ya.'

­Andrene Brown

• Main
• Roots & Culture
• A sketch of Miss Lou
• 'Nowhere else I'd want to be' - Barbara Gloudon
• Getting under the covers with Jean Goulbourne
  
• The JCDC story -- 40 years of waving the flag
  
• Jamaica mi bawn ya
• A true stalwart - D. Joyce Campbell: Preserving Jamaica's cultural heritage
• Ole time Sinting - The Way We Were
• Ole time Sinting...
• When the reign is over
• Sweet Sweet Jamaica
• Wey go so, an' wey nuh go so
• Story time
• Bre Anancy and Commonsense

See Also A Tribute To Miss Lou

• Noh lickle twang!
• Labrish with Miss Lou
• Tribute to an icon
• Moments With Miss Lou
• Louise Bennett-Coverley - Author
  

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