Dear Editor,

I must confess that I was one of those who was initially very upset at what I assumed, at first sight, was an insult and slight to the JLP, in the improper partisan use of the flag symbolism. But I have changed my perspective, and now commend the restraint of the prime minister for not becoming embroiled in a false issue.

In fact, while I am still not in possession of all the facts surrounding this imbroglio, matters are becoming somewhat clearer. In the first place, the symbolic messages of two of the colours – the gold and the green – are very clear, and have always been so, from the outset. The message of the black was changed from “hardships” to the present meaning of “strength” to overcome challenges.

All well and good, as this is a more positive way of recognising the fortitude which must have been displayed by people who experienced slavery for centuries, enabling them to rise to freedom and achieve self-governance. Jamaica has now taken its place among the free nations of the world, and though beset by many grave problems – including unnecessarily wide gaps in social opportunities which fuel feelings of hopelessness and no doubt give rise to illegal ways of making a living – the world would definitely be poorer in culture, sports, music, intellectual discourse, and even in business, were there not a Jamaica.

In the specific matter of the flag, the charge of partisanship cannot be credibly sustained, since the green does not represent the Jamaica Labour Party, but the lush greenness of much of the land. It does no good, therefore, for JLP politicians to politicise this matter and pander to the knee jerk reaction of those winging it on emotion only.

If the charge is that people desecrated the flag, then many vendors – some of them supporters of the JLP – would be found guilty as they are making a living from selling short-shorts, slippers, pants, et al with all shades of the true colours the flag.

The proposed campaign to re-inform the public as to stated protocols regarding the uses of national symbols is, therefore, in this respect, very welcome.

Cathy Brown

cathy291181@yahoo.com