Hi neighbour! What if the government of this, or any other country, passes a law compelling people to love their neighbours as themselves and demonstrates this by sharing their space and substance with one another? Wouldn't that government have played its last "parados"?

Communism, socialism, infringement of rights, unconstitutional, backwardness, could just be some of the condemnatory expressions used to convey the populace's disapproval of such a move. The outcome would be catastrophic!

You and I know that there are some human behaviours that no government can legislate for. However, while no one can force us to be kind, we were created with an inbuilt capacity to be or not to be. The choice to be kind produces pleasant results. The choice to be mean produces unpleasant results. One could logically conclude, therefore, that the reason there are so many unpleasant social experiences in the world is that more people have chosen to be mean.

Supreme law

But stick a pin! A supreme law was passed thousands of years ago mandating human beings to "love their neighbours as themselves" and to "do unto others as they would have others do unto them." In short, Jamaican parlance: put yuhself in the next man's shoes. History has not shown that this law has been repealed. That law was passed down to us by the creator to prevent us from crashing into and hurting one another. Where this law is obeyed the outcome is almost utopian. Here is a case in point: 15-year-old Davy from a rural community was facing severe hardships at home. The condition forced him to roam the streets during the days only sneaking home at night to get a little sleep. All this was due to an unfeeling relative who did not want to see the young man around.

A good Samaritan, Sister Cole, heard of the young neighbour's plight and blew a whistle. Yours truly heard the sound and blew another in the hearing of thousands of Jamaicans. Evangelist Baker answered the call. A small group, including Sister Cole and others, as true neighbours, went to investigate the matter and decided to take quality action. Within a short while the relieved Davy was living at a home where he could relax in the days and sleep comfortably at night.

Win-win results

The kind Evangelist Baker got him registered at a school where he prepared for the high school he is now attending. To her joy and great satisfaction her pick is now a part of her church where he is filled with the Holy Ghost, sings on both the youth and male choirs and is a group leader. According to this great humanitarian, who reflects the heart of God, the dividend on this investment is unbeatable. She encourages everyone to live by the precepts of neighbourliness. They are unbeatable!

Based on the win-win results which are invariably derived from being neighbourly do you think we should find a way to institute a 'National Neighbour Law?'

Until next week, have a great 'neighbourday'.

To help, please call 906-3167, 884-3866 or 373-7745 or send e-mail to: neighbourtoo@yahoo.com and we will make the link up. 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 ID#: JNCBJMKX

MANY THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING NEIGHBOURS

1. Annmarie, St Catherine for offer of baby clothing.

2. Grace, St Catherine, for offering men's clothing and a wheelchair to a neighbour.

3. Rochelle, Trelawny, for offering textbooks to needy students.

4. Miss Murray, St Ann, for offering a pair of ladies' and boys' sneakers to a neighbour.

5. Jasmin, St Catherine, for a mattress.

6. Sandra, St Andrew, for connecting with Faith, who needed clothing for church.

7. Karen, St Andrew, for offering clothing and bed to a needy neighbour.

8. Lori Ann, St Andrew, for an offer of books, shoes and clothing.

9. Elaine, Kingston, for donating, books and bag to Fay's (Manchester) child.

10. Claudette, St Catherine, for a donation in very good condition to Miss Malcolm (885-0051), St Catherine,

OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP NEIGHBOURS

This is a repeat of last week's needs.

1. Single mother of eight, St Elizabeth is unable to find a job and cannot afford back-to-school. Asking neighbours to assist.

2. Neville, a 60-year-old from Clarendon, needs to do eye surgery that costs $ 162,000. Asking for neighbours assistance.

3. Ms Smith, Manchester: Her partner had a terrible accident and is now incapacitated. Asking for neighbours' assistance with respect to food, lunch money for children etc.

4. An 85-year-old neighbour, Erline from St Andrew, is in need of someone to care for her. Nowhere to live.

5. Merlene, unemployed mother of six, St Catherine, asking neighbours for interim assistance with food for children.

6. Marcia, St Catherine, asking neighbours for a mattress. Size 16 female clothing for church also

7. Shirley, St Catherine, accident victim. Caring for five children single-handedly. Asking neighbours for financial assistance to fund a little business

8. Seventy-year-old Albert is asking neighbours to assist with the purchase of a bushwhacker as he tries to become gainfully employed. He is diabetic and needs to purchase medication etc.

9. Rachael's eight-year-old daughter fainted at school and needs to do a cat scan at a private facility. Needs $25,000 to help give her daughter a fighting chance.

10. Lambert, St James, is blind and needs neighbours assistance. He is most times hungry and wants to sell phone cards to generate income.

(See contact numbers at left)