Dear Editor,

THERE seems to be a new norm and culture of criticising those fulfilling their civic duties; criticism however is not bad until it loses its constructive component. Then it becomes counterproductive and simply hints at defamation with a malicious intent by those who provide no substance, better insight nor angles on perspective. I say this in relation to recent non-constructive criticism about the Linden Town Week.

As an advocate for youth development, a native Lindener and an advocate for the Town Week and its ability to contribute to Linden’s development, I am saddened by remarks made by a section of persons that there was a paucity of child-friendly activities, after a group of young persons toiled through trials and tribulations to present a product with special considerations for children.

These allegations are most erroneous and fallacious at best.

I can see any better reason behind these masked untruths than an attack for personal credit and a claim for success by Mr Shareef Major. It seems as though Mr Major is only trying to tear down and discredit others to make himself look better, or to try and gain access to the franchise. I am however not surprised at these comments, since the history of Mr Major doesn’t permit me to expect anything else.
The truth is that Vybz Entertainment like any other company has their strengths and some weaknesses, but in a nutshell they deliver and they delivered a product that everyone had a chance to enjoy over a 10- day period.

Mr Major claimed that Linden Town Week 2017 was nothing but parties and there were no activities for children on the calendar and that was a complete fabrication. I myself was so upset that I could not take my five-year- old daughter to see the freestyle dance competition, which was held on the Amelia’s Ward Bus Park. I was able to take her to the ‘Skip to my Lou’, which was greatly supported and enjoyed by kids and adults. There was also a kids’ concert; a kids quiz; a day of sports with relays and cycling; a day of swimming; a Teen Zone; and not forgetting, an explosive opening ceremony, which was kids-dominated and so many other non-fete activities, all in 10 days.

For the mature audience that preferred non-fete activities, there were other events such as the Jazz Festival, which was very well planned and executed; a food festival and games night, where domino and other board games were played. The community had a chance to compete and win cash and prizes.

Local and out-of-town persons were given FREE spots to showcase local products in the form of an exhibition to promote small businesses and create self-employment in the community and so much more. So I challenge you, Mr Major and your entire team of promoters, to be honest and understand that trying to blow out someone else’s candle won’t make yours shine any brighter.

I am also challenging you, Mr Major, to let the public know what you have done for the Linden community over the years you had the biggest football tournament. The Town Week that you are trying so hard to be given control over again after you had it and then did not want to do it anymore, claiming that, “it was a waste of time,” now that a young, imperfect, but dedicated, hardworking group has taken it on, invested money and is building it into a significant product, you are trying to disrespect and discredit them in an effort to regain possession of the franchise once more.

Gain possession by your own merits, not by bringing the other organisation down.

Mr Major and the entire K&S organisation, I just want to warn you that the Linden community might be humble, but not stupid people and they’re not going to let you trick them with slick talks and hidden political agendas.

Regards
Linden Resident