THE EDITOR, Sir:

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) is doing its utmost in entertaining the nation and providing opportunities for many people. However, there is something I would like to bring to their attention.

They have changed the Festival Song Contest to Popular Song Contest but these songs we are hearing now are not even samples of the 'good old time' ones. These songs we are hearing are breaking my spirit and sending me to bed.

We are living in a modern society and things can't remain the same, but that doesn't mean we should do away with the traditional festival song pattern and settle for these 'nowadays' songs that are deadening the spirit of Festival.

I'm not blaming the JCDC, but I think they have the power to put an end to unwelcomed songs.

Remember songs like Cherry Oh Baby by Eric Donaldson, What a Bam Bam by Toots and the Maytals and Give Thanks And Praise Him by Roy Rayon? When people hear these songs, no matter how depressed and downhearted they are, they will get up and move.

Let's bring back the spirit of Festival.

I am, etc.,

DONALD J. McKOY

Spanish Town

St Catherine