Congratulations Patrick Ewing

THE EDITOR: The Caribbean-American Program for Empowerment (USA), Inc, its directors and members would like to share the joy and happiness after watching the ceremony honouring one of Jamaica’s great sons of sport, in which they retired his jersey No 33 at Madison Square Garden — a tribute that was touching and filled with emotion.

In recent times, our nation has been cast with all kinds of negatives and this I must say was one moment that made all of us feel good to be a basketball fan and Jamaican. A man who did not just represent the greatness of our nation but the whole NBA, one who stood tall among the ranks of the best of the best in his field. He may never have worn a championship ring at this time but because of his leadership, his loyalty, his dignity and the pride that he brought throughout the game, those achievements surpassed any ring he could have worn. His tribute to his fans, family, friends, opponents and fellow Jamaicans, in which he tried to talk to us in his native tongue was filled with deep emotion and touched the soul of all who were watching. He was proud to talk about his Jamaican roots and to thank his father and mother for bringing him to the United States.

Patrick Ewing, we thank you for all that you have done for the game and to let Jamaica’s name shine the world over. Thanks also for being a proud Jamaican even when there is so much negative being said about our lovely country Jamaica. Mr Ewing, you have proven to all the critics that there are still people who are strong and not afraid to say I am Jamaican. Myself and fellow Jamaicans wish you the best in whatever you pursue in the future. You are a true ambassador of our people and country. One Love, As-Salaam-Alaikum

AMIR ABDULLAH MUHAMMED ABDUL-AKBAR
Caribbean-American Program for Empowerment
USA