Dear Editor,

Last Monday saw hundreds of thousands of Brits take to the streets of London to cheer on their Olympic and Paralympic heroes to conclude a marvellous few weeks here in Great Britain. I’m sure we Brits should say a big thank you to Jamaica for our heptathlete gold medallist Jessica Ennis. Only on Monday did I find out that Jessica’s father was born in Jamaica, which perhaps goes a long way to explaining her talent.

Of course, we Brits also continued our love affair with the Jamaican athletes and the whole of Britain was cheering on Usain Bolt in his hugely successful quest for medals. We also have taken to Yohan Blake but are just a bit puzzled as how such a nice guy has been dubbed “The Beast”.

As an ex-British cop, who spent 18 months working in Jamaica over an

eight-year period, I’ve extolled the virtues of holidaying in Jamaica to friends and colleagues. Despite my best efforts, many are dissuaded by Jamaica’s reputation for crime and the obvious criminal links that still exist between the UK and Jamaica. I explain that this won’t affect their holiday at all, and that I’ve felt safer in downtown Kingston and so-called garrison areas than I have in certain parts of London.

The success and popularity of the Jamaican athletes was and indeed, is a great opportunity for Jamaican tourism. I’ve waited, so far in vain, for TV advertisements featuring Usain Bolt interlinked with all the marvels that a holiday in Jamaica brings. Come on those responsible for Jamaican tourism; this is literally your golden opportunity. As for me, I’ll definitely be going back for a nice relaxing break.

Chris Hobbs

London, England

obbsie@virginmedia.com