Letters

Saving Jamrock

THE EDITOR,Madam:

I had the privilege of viewing the new joint of the day on BET's 106 and Park. The song was Junior Gong's chart topping single Welcome to Jamrock (Welcome to Jamaica for those who might not understand the terminology).

I must give credit to Mr. Marley for his creative abilities and for the quality production done on this track. However, I am perturbed because this song undoubtedly portrays the negative side of our country, which needs to be addressed (don't get me wrong) but in my opinion this song does nothing to benefit the island in any positive way.

In a time when our tourism sector is at an all time low and crime and violence are on the rise, our beautiful little treasure 'Jamrock' can well do without these types of advertisements. I have been in the music business for a number of years, as a producer and distributor, both locally and abroad and I have seen where the authorities in Jamaica have banned songs with less international impact or potential to do harm to our country's reputation. I think the JTB needs to do damage control, because a lotof people's livelihood is indeed threatened by such advertisements. As a matter of fact the JTB owes this to all who have invested in the tourism sector.

It is ironic that it is young Marley that has caused concern in this way, as Bob Marley produced works that were always worthy of portraying the island, and his song was used as a means of advertising. One Love has brought countless people to our shores, so if the JTB does not think that Welcome to Jamrock will have an adverse effect on an already dying sector, they had better think again.

We need to handle our business internally and not let the negatives affect those that are doing positive. I have heard many other songs that portray the positive sides of Jamaica that are never highlighted, like Jamaica by Jah Cure. People will argue that there are two sides to a coin, and I do agree, but why is it that we tend to highlight the negative aspects of life?

I am, etc.,

CONCERNED PRODUCER

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