THE EDITOR, Sir:
I HAVE often hoped that every single person born in Jamaica could be afforded the opportunity to leave these shores, even once in their lifetime and, preferably, for a First World nation - then and only then would they have the yardstick by which to measure what those of us who have travelled already recognise. There is a vast percentage, however, who have never, nor will ever, see Jamaica as the paradise that it is. There are those who have never left the bowels of Kingston much less the shores of Jamaica - worse still, there are children born, and yet unborn, who will never see Jamaica as anything but a frightening hellhole, condemned as they are, never to access the already strained education system.
Now, there are those among us who will dismiss this situation as a condition of the parents' own making, and the absence of any structured family planning; or there are those who will declare that it is the Government's responsibility; or still others who will declare "What are we expected to do? After all, we have our own children to care for." All of which are very true - but the reality is that these children are here and more are coming.
RE-EVALUATE FAMILY PLANNING
Now, there are steps that can be taken. We can play a part in getting those who are excluded into the system, and help those who are in to remain in. The first step is for the Government to re-evaluate the Family Planning campaign to the level of the HIV/AIDS campaign. Secondy, research shows that there are 16 identifiable communities in the inner city of Kingston and St. Andrew, and there are 199 neighbourhood watches in St. Andrew (only 32 in Kingston) - the former, all have associations entrusted with pursuing the best interest of their communities, while the latter's mandate is to protect their communities from unlawful intruders.
Why shouldn't these two parishes not reach out to each other? To reduce the risk of intrusion by offering hope to the potential intruders. How can this be done? If inner-city associations could be required to identify the most desperate school children (nursery, primary and secondary) who cannot attend school regularly, or at all, or who are unable to meet examination fees - the neighbourhood watch association would adopt or twin with that community and their members undertake to assist these children. Payments would be made directly to the school and, if required, the Church or the social services could monitor the arrangement.
We all long for a loving Jamaica where we can again confidently walk without fear. Now, why should we do it? If we are not driven to respond (a) out of Christian motivation, or (b) because we view it as the Government's responsi-bility, or (c) for any altruistic reason - then let us do it out of stark, naked, self-interest so that the day when the frustration, the hopelessness and the rage erupt, civil disturbance and turmoil may never come. Many are already doing it quietly, let us all join us.
PLEA FOR A CARING COMMUNITY
Any neighbourhood watch wishing to make contact with an inner-city association may contact this office at 922-4159, or Mr. Morin Seymour at the Kingston Restoration Co. Ltd., at 922-3126-7.
"If you suffer the poor to live as animals, do not be surprised if they grow up as beasts and rend you." - Anon.
Overnight, we could become a caring society and begin to live out the principles enshrined in our national motto, anthem and pledge.
I am, etc.,
HOWARD HAMILTON, Q.C.
Office of the Public Defender
