Dear Editor,

Without doubt this is a decisive moment for Jamaica. Our athletes have done us extremely proud, and continue to do so — they represented so very well, not just on the field, but also off track with their interviews with the international media beamed around the globe. We should make sure to seize this great moment and use it to the fullest advantage. Our tourism will no doubt benefit — if we play our cards right.

As I watched the men’s 200m race in a public space in Canada, so many beamed with pride; grown men got tearyeyed as our country made a clean sweep in one of the most watched Olympic events in London: gold, silver and bronze. Congrats to Usain Bolt in particular who has established himself as a true legend, a very likeable and fun individual who continues to inspire other athletes and who is a superb role model for so many, young and old, whether Jamaicans or non-Jamaicans. Now the world will continue to talk about Jamaica and the prowess of our great athletes. Jamaica is soaring on the medal count chart, ahead of most of the 200-odd countries represented at the Olympics, even leading some first-world countries with far more resources to be competitive.

A news report in the media recently listed Jamaica among the top 5 in medal count based on per capita population. Goes to show, for a small country we’ve done ourselves extremely proud, and there are countless opportunities to be seized which could benefit our country and our people. Even as we celebrate the Olympics, in another part of the world — China — our lovely Miss Jamaica Deanna Robins is also doing well at the Miss World 2012 contest. Representing us, Deanna could very well bring it all home to Jamaica at the Miss World finale, come August 18.

We must now unite, seize this wonderful moment, and use it to our fullest advantage. The more fortunate should help the less fortunate. We need to fight crime collectively, and unite to help improve the standard of living of our people. This is a pivotal moment for our country; it could be a turning point to help move our country forward positively.

As we continue celebrating Jamaica 50, there is much to give thanks for. Countless individuals who have returned from Jamaica after the festivities, have been literally glowing with nothing but positivity. As we see more and more pictures in the media of the events, it’s hard not to even imagine the feeling. National and civic pride is indeed a country’s greatest resource, and once again we’re reminded that Jamaica still has it. Let’s make sure we take full advantage of all this.

P Chin

Canada

chin_p@yahoo.com