I have to commend highly The Gleaner editorial of April 17 on the matter of squatter settlements. The issue arose from the news report that Minister of Housing Dr Horace Chang recently declared in Parliament that as many as one-third of Jamaica's population currently live as squatters! I wondered why any of this came as a surprise to Parliamentarians on either side of the fence? Are they really blinded by reality and the extreme levels of poverty that exist around them?

It is not rocket science to figure out that these areas are very fertile breeding grounds (as your editorial pointed out) for crime, and other anti-social behaviours. These social issues are constantly being ignored (or given low priority) by successive governments. No one seems to realise, or even understand, that these are the very issues which influence and affect negative behavioural patterns, that ultimately keep a lid on progress and national development.

Geography study

I recall years ago as a sixth-form high-school student, I did a research project for a geography A' levels exam, on 'Gullybank squatter settlements'. With an assistant, I travelled inside some of these settlements, interviewing residents, while studying infrastructure and the geographical impact (human and physical) on these settlements. I probably could not have the guts to do that project now (because of security concerns), but back then, I recalled being pleasantly surprised at the humility of these squatters and how eager and willing they were to participate and express their views, about 'why' and 'how' they became squatters, giving rise to these spontaneous settlements.Fact is, many Jamaicans are currently live below the poverty line, I wouldn't be surprised if that number was 50 per cent or higher, and many of those individuals really have no choice but to become squatters. It's about survival. Even working-class individuals have difficulty buying homes, given the escalating prices. In fact, many working-class Jamaicans are barely existing from pay cheque to pay cheque. Imagine those worse off, living in poverty and dire need, with poor sanitary facilities!

Since crime is currently out of control, these social issues cannot be ignored. Every effort should also be made to stimulate community-based activities and infrastructure, which ultimately can help to improve people's lives, especially those with limited opportunities and options. Squatting is really a by-product of a state which has failed to properly address social issues and needs.

I am, etc.,

P. CHIN

chin_p@yahoo.com

Ontario, Canada