Dear Editor,

Maurice Tomlinson’s letter on January 5 prompted me to respond as he is right on one hand, but the ongoing impact of this type of crass behaviour displayed by some Jamaicans does not hurt tourism as much as it hurts all Jamaicans on a personal and psychological level. There is enough evidence to authenticate my statement if one just takes a walk down memory lane and listens to the comments and attitudes displayed by those at every level of leadership.

I won’t get into whether one chooses to escape the balmy winter weather or whether one has a black or white guide on a beach or in some concrete jungle since to me the location is the least, but what is significant is that the surly and despicable behaviour is sanctioned at the mid, upper and executive leadership level in Jamaica.

Also, I wouldn’t worry about the message the cop left with, as such attitudes and opinions about Jamaica are known worldwide and are commonplace, accepted and even overlooked by law enforcement and ordinary Jamaicans alike whenever they are confronted with it, or when prudence dictates that they stand up and speak out against those who engage in this most ignorant and barbaric behaviour.

I urge those Jamaicans who want to live a better and decent life to demand an end to the hypocrisy and abrasiveness displayed by some politicians and leaders, and even those who hide behind the church and official titles. I’ll remind intelligent Jamaicans that their voices were silent when PM Golding ranted on that very well-known BBC programme HardTalk about not wanting gays in his Cabinet.

Again, Mr Tomlinson is right in many regards, but the emphasis ought to be to clean house first and see better examples displayed at home, because the best laid plans in Jamaica seem to be one of a mass and eventual destruction of a proud and resourceful people.

Pete Levy

New York City, USA

levy_pete@yahoo.com