Hi neighbour! Let's not wait until our backs are against the wall before recognising how much we are in need of one another - none exempted!

Over time the rich and famous discover that fame, wealth, popularity, power and prestige cannot replace the human touch. There is a common thread (love) that binds us all together and when it is broken we become dysfunctional.

We do crazy things to ourselves and others: we use, abuse, misuse and blindly trample on our brothers and sisters, thinking that by so doing our stake in life will be improved. That's a crazy error! In time, the circumstances of life place a wedge between us and our accomplishments, leaving us with the alternative of falling back on each other.

We should therefore "be careful how we treat others on our way up; we will need their help on our way down". Instructive indeed! "Whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap" is also very instructive. If we keep on turning a blind eye to the plight of others, they may not see us when it's our turn. Reality check? As we open our eyes, mind, ears and hearts to others, we are awakened to a brand new world where we discover that the reward of humility and the power of neighbourliness are unmatchable. Neighbourliness helps us to see the needs of others and humility empowers us to step into their world and help transform it for the good of all.

Encouragement

As we come to you our avid readers week after week with words of encouragement to become more neighbourly as a means of nation building, there are still a few among us who have not quite got it. They believe that there are, or should be, organised structures in place to care for all the needs of all the people. People should not be asked to lend support to each other. Some say they will never give a morsel of bread or a cup of water to a strong man or woman because they "mus guh look work or plant up the land". We reiterate that this column is not a laziness advocate. We merely seek to remind and mobilise persons to provide solutions for each other, which has been part of our God-ordained obligation from day one.

Even though Mr G from Montego Bay will not read the re-stated purpose of this column due to his blindness, we are pretty sure that he is very happy for it. About two weeks ago he called to explain his plight. He lost his sight under unfortunate circumstances some time ago. Not being able to do his usual masonry, life has become very difficult for him. Sometimes there is no food. He wanted to start a little business but he could not find the small capital. Again we played our part by publishing this neighbour's need.

Corporate neighbour of the week

One of our giving partners, Elaine, saw it and responded. She delivered a reasonable quantity of phonecards to our office for him to start a little business, along with a box of groceries to tide him over. Being in Kingston we faced the challenge of delivering the gifts to him all the way in Montego Bay. But guess what? We called TARA Courier Services Ltd and they were willing, as a good corporate neighbour, to transport the items on behalf of Hello Mi Neighbour free of cost. TARA, you are hereby certified our Corporate Neighbour of the Week. Signed: The Neighbours.

Until next week, have a great 'neighbourday'.

Many thanks to the following neighbours

1. Monica (Florida) for financial contribution.

2. Carole (St Andrew) for offering assistance to Grace, who was in need of disposable diapers for her father.

3. Thanks to Marva (Westmoreland) for helping Gwendolyn, who was in need of clothing.

4. Vinette (St Catherine) for assisting with a Blackhead sewing machine motor.

5. Elaine (St Andrew) for purchasing textbooks for a student in need.

6. Ms Feanny (Clarendon) for offering accommodation to a neighbour in need.

7. Estelle (St Catherine) for offering a refrigerator to a neighbour in need.

8. Ms Harper (St James) for offering a refrigerator to a neighbour

9. Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities for helping David, who was shot and injured.

10. Tara Couriers Limited for delivering an urgent package to Mr Grant (Montego Bay).

Help a neighbour

1. Unemployed neighbour (Westmoreland) whose father died. Embarrassingly, she is unable to assist with expenses. Asking a neighbour for a pair of size eight shoes and a size 16 dress to wear to the funeral.

2. Sharon is a diabetic who lost a toe. She is asking a neighbour for a small piece of carpet.

3. Colleen (St Catherine) is unemployed. She is asking neighbours for second-hand books for a fifth form student. Books: (1) Beka Lamb (2) Senses.

4. Michelle (St Catherine) asking neighbours for a pair of size three shoes and clothing for a seven-year-old girl. The clothes are needed for church.

5. Neighbour, mother of four who is unable to work. She is asking neighbours for a little help to send children to school.

6. Neighbour (St Andrew) is without a place of abode. She is seeking a little piece of land to lease in the Stony Hill or Golden Spring area.

7. Rose's television was damaged by lightning. She is unemployed and unable to replace it. She is asking neighbours for a second-hand one.

8. Patricia (St Andrew), mother of four, got burnt out in July and is in need of a stove, etc.

9. Pastor Lawrence (Clarendon) is asking neighbours to assist the church with the purchase of an amplifier. Will help to enhance worship experience. Many young converts in the church.

10. Glasford (Portland), a father of six trying to fend for children, is asking neighbours for a second-hand chainsaw to assist with income generation.

11. Ikle is asking neighbours for a second-hand motor for a Blackhead sewing machine to earn a living.

12. Evelyn (St Catherine), got burnt out and seeking neighbours' help in finding fortnightly accommodation in the St Catherine area.

13. Miss Williams (St Andrew) is calling on behalf of a young neighbour who needs diapers and other necessities for her young twins. She lives alone, is unable to work, and needs a doctor's advice.

14. Janice (Clarendon), a mother of three with a father unable to support family. She is appealing to any kind neighbour to assist with chickens and feed to start a little business.

To help, please call 906-3167, 884-3866 or 373-7745 or send email 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 #: JNCBJMKX.