Dear Editor,

I continue to be concerned at what I consider to be an abuse and misuse of one of our primary symbols of nationality, the Jamaican National Flag, especially by our athletes attending international competitions.

Given the frequency with which we are winning at these events, we have become accustomed to seeing our athletes wrap themselves in the flag, as an expression of celebration. Some will even go so far as to roll around on the ground, draped in the flag. These actions are not limited to our “juniors”, who may be excused for not knowing better, or for youthful exuberance, but we also more frequently see this misuse by the senior athletes — even those with Jamaican national investiture.

I expect that many, especially your “Jamerican” readers, will find nothing wrong with this, as they have become used to seeing this abuse in their adopted country. I have raised my concern with both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Prime Minister (Protocol Division) and to my disappointment neither was able to articulate an official policy position on the matter, while however acknowledging that the practice was cause for concern.

A possible resolution to this situation could be to have in readiness the small version of the flag on a stick, which they could wave to their heart’s content.

I believe that the time has come for a restatement of the protocol concerning the flag and our other national symbols, as very soon they will all be reduced to meaningless trash.

Colourful