Dear Editor,

As the celebration for Jamaica 50 intensifies, my mind keeps playing the words of our National Anthem: "Eternal Father, bless our land/Guard us with Thy mighty hand...", and our National Pledge: Before God and All mankind, I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart..." - two powerful prayers to God.

As Jamaicans, it is fair to say we all recite both at different intervals in our lives. However, based on our actions and utterances at times, one is left to wonder if attention is paid to the words. I say this because, for the most part, we rarely seek God's guidance for anything, and the kind of patriotism and loyalty that we pledge to have for Jamaica whenever we say the National Pledge is exemplified by a very minute number of Jamaicans.

Therefore, on Independence Day today, I wish to make this request of my countrymen: when we say our National Pledge or our National Anthem, let us pay attention to the words and really put them into action. I believe our change for the better could actually be realised if we start seeking God in everything we do and start working diligently and creatively so Jamaica can increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity.

Patricia Clarke

Claremont PO, St Ann

nardia.dixon@yahoo.com