Hi, neighbour! It's becoming increasingly annoying to see how easily people can become annoyed with one another.

People seem to be so uptight these days that almost anything can trigger a negative response. Strangely enough, a simple 'good morning' or 'good afternoon' can invite insults.

"What's so good about the morning?" the disgruntled, unappreciative customer asked the polite gas station attendant as he approached him with a bright 'good morning'. Still holding his composure, the attendant said, "Plenty little things, sir ... ."

Well, I didn't linger to hear what transpired after that but I had a feeling that it ended well. But let me tell you that those three little words, 'plenty little things', started influencing my behaviour right after they were uttered. I began looking out for the little things that would help brighten my day as I continued down the road. A rewarding exercise it was indeed!

While waiting at the traffic light, I was greeted by a young windshield wiper sharing his washing liquid with his colleague who was using plain water to clean motorists' windshields. It was truly heartening to see them collaborating rather than competing. Ten minutes later, that pleasant sight hardly out of my mind, my spirit got another lift when I saw two policemen helping a female motorist whose vehicle seemed to have developed mechanical problems. Don't know if it was part of their police duties but the thing looked neighbourly.

These simple but touching acts of kindness tell me that the spirit of neighbourliness has been resurrected. I am convinced that as we continue to highlight acts of neighbourliness, more people will catch on.

As evidence that the spirit of neighbourliness

is actively influencing the behaviour of many of our countrymen and women, I share another quick story with you. A few months ago, 'Mr X' was made redundant. It was not a nice feeling, especially with a young family to care for. As the effects of redundancy started taking its toll, while at home one weekend, a former co-worker called him to say that he was in the area and would be stopping by to see him for a short while. Not wanting to cause embarrassment - he was unable to offer his visitor even a cool drink - Mr X tried to put him off but it was too late.

Five former co-workers were already at the gate, each bearing a parcel for the family: Clothing for the children, food items, detergent, toiletries and other necessities. There was enough of everything to serve the family for approximately two months. As I understand it, all Mr X's efforts at finding a new job have been futile so far. The good news for this family is that although there is no job, there is always food on the table.

How many of us are willing to countenance this gesture? The reality is that redundancies are spreading like wildfire. We must set the spirit of neighbourliness ablaze in order to counter this pandemic. If you are an employee and have not yet been touched by redundancy, it's may be just a matter of time. While we save for our rainy day, let's remember to save some lives along the way.

Mark Jackson, teacher, is assisted by students from Braeton Primary and Junior High School in Portmore, St Catherine, earlier this month. Gifts were donated to the school by Marjorie Hinds, wife of Portmore Mayor Keith Hinds. - Photo by Rasbert Turner

Thanks to these neighbours:

1. Mr Cross, Manchester, for donating a pair of crutches to Joy in St Catherine, whose 11-year-old daughter was badly in need of one. Thank you so very much, Mr Cross, for going the extra mile to help this neighbour.

2. Ms Barnes, St Catherine, for donating clothing and shoes (which are in good condition) to a neighbour in need.

3. Delcie, Canada and St Elizabeth, for offering to purchase a water tank for a blind neighbour in St Mary.

4. Ms Foster, St Catherine, for offering a bed to a neighbour in need.

5. Ms Pinto, St Andrew, who is offering clothing and other household items to persons in need.

6. The following persons for responding to the blind neighbours from St Catherine in need of food, clothing, household items and proper shelter: Ronald/Judith, St Andrew; Deloris, St Catherine; Verona, St Catherine; Vivienne, St Catherine; Ellenette, Manchester; Marvalyn, St Andrew; Lorna, St Andrew; Ms Broadbelt, Clarendon; Sis Nelson, St Catherine.

Hello Mi Neighbour is written by Silton Townsend, who is best known for his characterisation of Maas Gussie in the Jamaican comedy 'Lime Tree Lane'.

Opportunities to help neighbours

1. Miss Whyte, St Elizabeth: suffering with back pain and high blood pressure; she is also visually challenged. Currently cooking on wood fire, which is making it worse for her eyes. Asking neighbours to assist her with a second-hand stove; also needs food.

2. Tanya, St Mary: lost everything to fire. Asking neighbours to help with restoration. Boys two and four years old and girls 13 and three months badly in need of clothing.

3. Mother, Trelawny: in need of materials to construct a small room for her daughter, who is unable to sleep in the same room as her siblings due to a medical condition. This situation is considered desperate.

4. Peter, St Andrew: was robbed and shot by thugs. He sustained spinal injury and is now wheelchair mobile. Determined to continue with life, he is asking any kind neighbour to assist with dry-cell batteries for his motorised wheelchair.

5. Neighbour, St Catherine: 22-year-old woman who is taking care of her blind grandmother needs bed linen and grocery items.

6. Unemployed mother of six: in desperate need of a bed and clothing for her children. Appealing to neighbours to donate a bed (second-hand) for this family.

7. Neighbour, Clarendon: Woman and two children deserted by her husband determined to provide for family single-handedly. Asking neighbours for toys, cribs, linen and other items to help setting a care centre.

8. Mother of two asking for a little help: She needs a TV for her two boys who oftentimes go next door to watch television.

9. Mom of four: is unable to work and is asking for assistance to carry out poultry rearing to help generate an income.

To help, please call 906-3167, 884-3866 or 373-7745 or send email to neighbourtoo@yahoo.com and we will make the link. Those who desire to make financial donations to this project may make deposits to acct # 351 044 276 at the National Commercial Bank. Bank routing #: JNCBJMKX.