The Editor, Sir:

My letter is basically advocating for the rights of the "poorest of the poor". The "poorest of the poor" refers to those citizens of Jamaica who we see roaming the streets without a place called home. I am referring to the street children, the mentally challenged and the homeless (of all ages). Their prized possessions range from clothes on their backs, a juice bottle filled with soapy water, a windscreen wiper, a scandal bag of nothingness, cigarette or cardboard. We pass them everyday on the streets but do we ever stop and ask them their names? They are invisible to most of us and that's just not acceptable.

We hear and read slogans stating many things, some insinuate that the conveyers represent and are for the "poor people". I honestly think those slogans need to be reworded until the "poorest of the poor" are dealt with in a humane and respectful manner. Having a van drive around passing out a box-food is just not enough. An intervention was and is necessary immediately.

Where are the ministries with purview over these matters? These matters affect children, young adults, adults, the middle-aged and the elderly. Who is representing their rights to exist and rights due to them? I know of mentally challenged women who are raped as I have seen them pregnant. Mentally challenged men are sometimes used similar to crash test dummies or moving targets for gang initiation where they are cut up, shot or shot at by young 'shottas'. Who speaks on their behalf? Is it the Public Defender, the Children's Advocate, who? I am asking who utters a voice on their behalf? Do we need to appoint someone to do that then?

It pains my heart to see humongous cricket grounds being built and great sums of money being spent on flashy cars, exorbitant allowances and habits which I believe shouldn't take priority over the well-being and prosperity of our brothers and sisters. I have no apologies when I say it would seem that only those who have addresses, a voters identification card, the capacity to adorn themselves in a green, yellow or orange t-shirt and those that can vote are given the time of day.

Utilise my taxes

I would prefer my taxes to be utilised in helping the "poorest of the poor" rather than feeding murderers and rapists in prison. I would have personally preferred to have seen an institution built somewhere in a rural scenic setting with doctors, psychologists, nurses, teachers, councillors and facilities to treat with the "poorest of the poor" rather than these numerous hotels or sports complexes. I would have rejoiced with pride and think yes we are finally taking care of our less fortunate. We raid the NIS funds to do what? We raid the NHT funds to do what? I shudder to imagine if such ill fate befell me where I would end up.

Great minds such as the late Crosskill and others who roamed the streets should not have been lost. These are our citizens, some of whom have paid taxes up to the point illness befell them and others not but regardless, Jamaican blood runs through their veins. These persons need to be removed from the streets and please, not by trucks going to the bauxite ponds this time.

A survey of the "poorest of the poor" has to be carried out to firstly know how to move forward. We need to find out who they are; we need representation to be made for these persons based on their circumstances. Some need an education, some need a roof to live under, some need mental rehabilitation, some need psychological counselling, and some need love. This will facilitate action with respect to developing a proper facility or facilities in proper locations for rehabilitation or whatever needs are present.

I don't need to hear a rebuttal telling me even first world countries have this problem. We need to do the ethical thing and stop watching Sam's problems and justifying our own. The "poorest of the poor" are in need of our help!

I am, etc.,

K.C.St. E. CAMPBELL

kccamp76@hotmail.com

Spanish Town

Via Go-Jamaica