Much ado about everything
Dear Editor,
Today, Jamaica is basking in the reflected glory of hosting the president of the United States.
After two to three weeks of anticipation, speculation and commentary this is as good a time as any to reflect on the value of the visit.
First of all, as far as I can tell, President Obama did not take the repaved roads with him. We also avoided the embarrassment of having “The Beast” drop into a pothole which, given its weight, could have been a nightmare. Interestingly, smooth roads are also critical to security, given that if there was a need to be evasive, road conditions become critical.
We have a beautified Heroes Circle and park and a golden opportunity for the private sector to demonstrate good corporate social responsibility by assisting the displaced vendors in building aesthetically pleasing booths.
The nation had the opportunity to see its prime minister sit shoulder to shoulder with the leader of the free world and articulate, among other complex issues, the vexing problem of the flow of illegal guns into Jamaica, which affects crime and ultimately investment for growth of the economy. This is over and above the announced support for youth development and energy. Regardless of your political persuasion, this must be a source of national pride.
Despite the angst, we demonstrated our respect for our democratic traditions and protocols with the presence of the leader of the Opposition at all material times. This would have happened regardless of which party was in power.
The unscheduled visit to the Bob Marley Museum reminded the world that Jamaica and Bob Marley are both at the centre of the cultural contribution of reggae to the world.
We showed our commitment to free speech demonstrated by the unabashed question to the president on the legalisation of marijuana by a Rastafarian.
We left a number of youth, both in person and via television, awed and inspired by his town hall meeting.
Despite the major traffic inconveniences, the residents of Kingston showed patience and understanding of the realities of hosting the leader of the free world.
Was it worth it? You decide.
BRAGS
Kingston