Dear Editor,

National heroes and icons are who give a country its backbone and secure its roots. They embed pride and instil a sense of national identity.

There is one lady in particular, Louise Bennett-Coverley, affectionately called Miss Lou, who has given us a unique way to embrace our cultural identity. Long before she died, she taught us how to embrace our own Jamaican Patois, as that is one thing that unifies us, whether abroad or at home, when we speak to each other. She inspired creativity by writing poems and singing songs in our heart language.

The freedom to embrace our African heritage stems from the brilliance she bestowed upon our nation’s people. This poem was written in her honour as I reflected on her legacy:

Happy birthday, Miss Lou.

Tank yu fi all a weh yu duh fi wi kulcha

Yuh set di stage fi linguistic liberty,

Like how Bob Marley set stage fi reggae.

Happy birthday, Miss Lou.

Yuh mek mi heart bubble wid pride because a di way yuh neva fraid fi show off yu unique way of talking, even when yu neva de pon Jamdung soil.

Yuh gi wi timeless classics wid Bredda Anansi, an’ great poetry weh tek wi pon a journey.

Tank yuh fi opin up wi eyes dem to di powa of unique expression.

Happy 100, Miss Lou.

Yuh a one precious gif’, enuh.

Jus’ know seh yuh legacy a go live on an’ on.

Yuh a truly one legend.

My heart is full of pride when I think of my country’s superheroes. They all deserve our respect and love. Happy Heroes’ Day, Jamaica.

Rene Lambert

renepllambert@gmail.com