http://www.thegambiaecho.com/Homepage/tabid/36/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2155/Default.aspx

A Jamaican's reply

http://www.thegambiaecho.com/Homepage/tabid/36/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2159/Default.aspx

Thanks for posting that artical, Yardie....It really is a lovely rendition of the man's impressions from visiting Jamaica (a place he had never been before) for 2 weeks.

After living here for close to 6 years, I would have to say I readily agree with some of his observations & heartily disagree with others.

Yes, Jamaica is a breath-takingly beautiful island...I think we all know that, AND I might also add that I do believe all who frequent this forum LOVE Jamaica or would never keep coming back over & over or in some of our cases, actually LIVE here!

When we have disturbing discussions on this board that are about some of the negative things dat gwan roun here soh, is because we deeply CARE what happend to the people of Jamaica & it pains us to hear & see some of the negative things that DO go on.

I'm sure you, as a Jamaican HATE seeing some of our comments here about your homeland. Most Jamaicans that I know are fiercely loyal to their island that they boast is the best in almost EVERY field, and I'm sure you feel the same.

I think we all, on this board, know some really wonderful, loving, generous, hardworking, genuine Jamaicans....I'm sure there are SOME honest cops (not so sure about the politicians though)....

It was nice to hear one persons glowing experiences in his travels here, but 2 weeks can hardly give one a balanced view of the daily life here in Jamaica.....do you think?

I do believe that many of the boardies had a different, much more "rosy" view of Jamaica before they started spending more time here & really experienced actual "life" here, as opposed to just "visiting" for short periods, myself included.