An Open Letter To Yemen Times [Archives:2001/08/Focus]
Gary Vey
[email protected]
I read with great interest the discussion of the Yemen Times’ critique for publishing the social and economic problems within the country. Although I agree that these stories have a negative impact on the potential for tourism, I fully support the publication’s steadfast commitment to print and report the truth, the way things really are inside Yemen.
A few weeks back, the Yemen Times ran an article I wrote describing the potential for tourism and the influx of money that would remedy many of the remote tribal concerns and support the entire infrastructure of the country to be brought up to modern standards. I suggested that Yemen capitalize on the ancient Biblical archaeological sites, especially the temple of Saba in Bilqis, as a pan-religious zone where all religions and denominations could worship the One God, by whatever name He is known.
I received hundreds of e-mails from all over the globe in support of my ideas and expressing the strong desire to visit Yemen once these safety concerns are resolved. There was also extremely positive support for a pan-religious tourism industry and for Yemen to remain neutral in the intifada.
The recent debate stated that many government officials read the Yemen Times. In the event that this is being read by one of these officials, please understand that there are many people who have learned of Yemen’s great history and her special mission as peacemaker of the world and are anxious to offer their assistance.
In particular, my own case is an example. I am an American citizen who is trained in computer science and specialize in Internet programming and web design, specifically of the type that could draw thousands of tourists to your country. Although my current salary is excellent here in the States, I would be willing to perform this task for Yemeni tourism pro bono, requiring only the needed visas and transportation and permits to film and document the sites of interest in your country. I offer this because of my respect for your country and its people. You need only to ask.
There are hundreds of people who feel as I do and experience the sadness of each new story about kidnapping and political unrest. Each story makes it more unlikely that a visit and the dream of a revitalized Yemen will happen soon.
But we can always change the future Ñ because it has not happened yet. Why not make these changes NOW? The human resources are available and there are many others like myself Ñ only waiting for some response and the welcome gestures from Yemeni officials. So, if you are listening, Yemeni officials, let’s start.
Yemen was once the greatest nation on Earth. Rise up from the sand and take your place and meet your destiny as a great people. It can all start happening with the acceptance of help. Please do it soon.
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