Wha’ sweet nanny goat…
Dear Editor,
Listening to Minister Omar Davies on TV, the other night, I was reminded of the tale of the Trojan Horse. Addressing an audience, which he called “Comrades”, he said in effect: If you are hungry and suffering and a man comes to you with a proposal to help out by spending a thousand million US dollars you would be an idiot to turn him away.
The reference was made in relation to the Chinese Government’s offer to construct a massive logistics hub on Jamaican territory — something he said would provide 2000 jobs while it is being built. Dr Davies did not explain what the hungry suffering Jamaicans would be expected to give — in addition, of course, to the Goat Islands and the highly valuable marine surroundings.
In the case of the Trojan Horse, the Greek had a great desire to occupy Troy and, having for years failed to breach the surrounding walls, developed a ruse which involved building a beautiful wooden horse that would be left as a gift at the Trojan gate. In those times, such an act was a sign that the Greek no longer wished to invade Troy and was abandoning the idea.
The story goes that the joyful Trojans, when they saw the beautiful gift horse, opened their gate and dragged it in with great celebration. However, as soon as they went to bed that night Greek soldiers hidden inside the wooden horse crept out, opened the gate and enabled the Greek army to enter triumphantly. That was the end of Troy and the beginning of the saying: Beware of Greeks bearing gifts; and the other saw: Always look a gift horse in the mouth.
I applaud the Chinese Government for its enlightened self-interest. Establishing strategic footholds in the Caribbean takes not only money but also vision and determination. However, as an ardent Jamaican nationalist I would like to see our Government demonstrating equal virtues; working as proud land owners rather than desperately hungry men unable to resist the temptation of a seemingly sumptuous meal. Let our temporary gods remember: ‘Wha’ sweet nanny goat a go run him belly.’
Ken Jones
kensjones2002@yahoo.com
