Dear Editor,

The “rebel tour” of South Africa by Lawrence “Yagga” Rowe in the early 1980s was ignoble and he and others knew it. The money they got have long finished. The resistance against Apartheid was greatly enhanced by the proponents along with some “honorary whites” with black skin.

The fight against President PW Botha, known as the “Old Crocodile”, an exponent of this cruel and evil regime was hampered by black men we held in high regard — all in the name of money. The early works of the likes of Norman Washington Manley our National Hero and statesman was undermined, because our small country was one of the first to place sanctions on South Africa.

The true meaning of his efforts and struggles against the white regime was greatly trivialised by some. The regime discriminated exclusively against blacks. Older ones like me need to remind the public of the pain the “rebel tour” caused throughout the region.

They were grown men who seemingly saw money as a substitute for pride. Lawrence “Yagga” Rowe was one of the most talented and finest players among his contemporaries. To receive an accolade now is therefore not deserving. Could he not see what he was doing at the time?

Mr Rowe is now apologising. No Yagga, apology not accepted! You have fought a war with a pyrrhic victory. Where are your men? Long live Vivian “Master Blaster” Richards, Michael Holding and others who vehemently denounced that act of cowardice.

Paris Taylor

Greater Portmore

paristaylor82@hotmail.com