By Carl Lumbly
THE EDITOR, Sir:
THIS IS an open letter to Jamaica from actor Carl Lumbly:
Now that the emotional storm that was 'Hurricane Carl' has subsided, I can more soberly express my gratitude for the honour of the 2002 Doctor Bird Award.
First, I must thank two of the most patient individuals imaginable, Mr. Lennie Little-White and Ms. Cheryl Ryman, who have faithfully worked with, and waited for me for several years. Mediamix made this possible.
I also thank the Doctor Bird Award Foundation, particularly Professor Rex Nettleford, whom I have long admired.
I will, forever, treasure the memory of that mystically, magical evening at the Hilton Kingston Hotel in the company of that stellar group of awardees. It was a night which eclipsed any dream of recognition by Jamaica, that I could ever have imagined. Yet, I have always imagined the possibility that one day I could do something to be a positive force for Jamaica.
I am not the "greatest." But the greatness of Jamaica runs through me, from my parents. It is that greatness of Jamaican spirit that has always guided me, like any prodigal son, back home. And, as is often the case, the prodigal son is celebrated and feted for his return.
But, it is the sons and daughters of Jamaica ...Chris Browne and Richard Lannaman, in this case, who stay at home...toil in the field...keep the faith. They are national treasures. They should be venerated for they are the caretakers of the creative light that this island, Jamaica, shines out to the world.
It is this light that I have followed my whole life. It has warmed and comforted me, oceans away, and has guided me back to these shores. I am the rescued; not the rescuer. And I owe my "life" to these heroic individuals, who, like the majority of Jamaicans, make something from nothing and give everything. I thank them. I thank you.
The recent sniper tragedy up here has, once again, thrust Jamaica on to the international stage in the role of the criminal. The savage. The cold, heartless killer. In this individual case, it may well be true. And yes, there have been other individual Jamaicans who have committed crimes.
Certainly, the warring and killing of adults and children in some of this island's communities speaks to the reality of acts of thoughtless cruelty and desperation. But these are the actions of a relative few and should not be used to characterise an entire people or nation.
Point of fact, the US has included, among its many exports, madness...violence...material acquisition and consumption at any cost...disregard for the true welfare and protection of children. What goes around, comes around. Good or bad. It is the good in Jamaica that brings her sons and daughters home again. And it is the good in Jamaica that will continue to keep this place the 'jewel of the Caribbean.'
So, in thanking you Jamaica, I urge you to hold your head up...as you taught me. Walk good...as you taught me. Think of present obstacles as challenges...as you taught me. Hold one another up...as you taught me. The Jamaica I hold in my head and my heart is the real Jamaica. I accept no substitutes. It is this Jamaica I will go out and continue to trumpet to the world.
The outpouring of love and support I received from Jamaicans the day after the awards, before I left the island, has re-energised and strengthened me. It has galvanised my intention. Please consider that the love and acceptance you have shown me is an investment. And, unlike most hurricanes, I can promise a return.
So in closing, God bless you and keep you, Jamaica.
You have made the son of Carrol Egbert Lumbly and Ida Braham Lumbly, a very happy man, happier than I ever thought possible. One love.
I am, etc.,
HURRICANE CARL
carleye@msn.com
Berkeley
California
Via Go-Jamaica
© Jamaica Gleaner 2002
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