Letters

Welcome to 'Truthrock'

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I read an article in your paper dated Wednesday, April 6, 2005, entitled "Jamrock no one love", an interview with the very talented Damion 'Junior Gang' Marley, and I was disappointed to read that members of the public had taken it upon themselves to write disapproving letters about the lyrics in the song.

I am a foreigner who has been living on the island for five months now and I am disgusted by the level of violence plaguing Jamaica. But, and I say this with trepidation - everything that he says in the song is a reality for many Jamaicans (at home and abroad) from the inner cities.

I don't understand how people can hide from the truth - if I worked in the tourism industry I would personally find a way of using the lyrics of the song to help make Jamaican nationals aware of the importance of tourism, and the effect that images of a country in a 'state of emergency' can and will have on the economy.

Yes, twenty something years ago Bob Marley was singing One Love, and although the lyrics captured the hearts of many (world-wide), he did not get it (one love that is) but the tourist board subsequently found the song to use as a basis to market the island.

If Bob Marley's talk of 'one love' could not bring the people together, maybe "Junior Gang" reality of war, crime and violence can bring them to the realization that things are not all well, and the island is in need of rescuing from its inhabitants.

Personally, I would call the song a 'masterpiece' (in its own right). It's straight to the point, gripping and 'Junior Gang' seems to be taking 'no prisoners' with his lyrics.

Maybe this is the type of strategy needed to make people take notice of the downfall of the island - and do something about it, or it will be 'Jamrock' the real 'JA'.

I am, etc.,

D. P.

Kingston