LETTER OF THE DAY - We must fight the stigma

The Editor, Sir:

A bright, brilliant, beautiful Jamaican woman who had excelled academically and been head girl of one of Jamaica's traditional high schools could not get a job because she lived in Tivoli Gardens and, therefore, carried a stigma.

There are many Jamaicans who will not receive visas, jobs, friends, because of where they live. This situation is now far beyond a crisis as we realise that the positive aspects of the independence projectof Jamaica is being overwhelmed by negative factors. The majority of law-abiding Jamaicans must now apply for visas for most destinations, and those who are fortunate to receive these visas, after paying hefty sums, must face increasingly hostile immigration personnel. This is even happening at some CARICOM destinations.

It will require more than a superficial public relations campaign which includes happy, dancing "no problem" Jamaicans. If the truth be told, there is insufficient attention paid to preparing Jamaicans to function outside of their communities and in the world. There are ambassadors in sports, the performing arts, the academy, the church and civil society whohave not been prepared adequately for diplomacy. In an increasingly competitive world, we must prepare our people adequately so that they can take their rightful place.

The stigma that is emerging revolves around a seemingly murderous nation of mainly badly behaved black people. This image may not be deserved but there are actually some who have promoted this in the popular culture. Instead of violence we need to find positive outlets for our aggression; we need to highlight those who are doing well in all spheres of life and we need to be aware of how we project ourselves. Some of us are colluding with our own demise, and in the metropoles that we are trying to reach, the same badmanism is taking root. Visit mental hospitals, prisons and correctional facilities and you would be amazed at how many Jamaicans are resident there.

Deemed unsafe

The image of the country has taken a beating, travel advisories have been issued, and some communities in Jamaica are deemed unsafe. I recently read a blog where a Jamaican overseas explained that he hadno intention of returning to be robbed and killed. A consensus has to be developed, promoted and rewarded about our conduct and national image. We have run out of excuses and explanations. We must stop allowing a few people to destroy the nation. Leaders need to set examples and explain to the citizens that there is going to be zero tolerance for bad behaviour.

We are not only individuals, we are representatives of our families, schools, even political parties as well as workplaces and nation. We can do much better and I long for the day when my address will not determine the content of my character and my life chances.

I am, etc.,

HILARY ROBERTSON-HICKLING (Dr)

UWI, MONA