Observer’s contribution to the literary arts
Dear Editor,
Congratulations on the 30th anniversary of your newspaper.
To go 30 rounds in the ring of print journalism in Jamaica, and still be on your feet and punching, is an achievement worthy of high commendation.
I hope you will continue to contribute to freedom of the press in Jamaica and to the survival of its democracy.
I may have missed it, but while going through your anniversary supplement I saw no mention of your paper’s contribution to the development of the literary arts in Jamaica. The literary movement in your paper, which was founded and guided by the late Wayne Brown, took quality poetry, fiction, book reviews and visual art into the homes of lives of countless Jamaicans at home and abroad. Many people kept the pull-outs on their bedside tables to be read throughout the week. I know that many contributors received expressions of appreciation from readers from all walks of life.
A well-known writer once said, “Literature is news that stays news.” Some of these writings are likely to outlive their authors and their publishers.
You have been continuing this contribution with Bookends, with Sharon Leach, which is read with interest by many of us. It is important to recognise your many contributions in many fields. But please do not leave out those you make to the development of the mind and the spirit.
Dr Earl McKenzie
sthopemckenzie327@gmail.com
