I stepped out of my car, careful to avoid the gushing water that flooded the gutter. As I stood on the sidewalk, raindrops pelted my shoulders. I hesitated, perhaps I would be better to return to my car and sit out the rain. I looked along the deserted 50 metres of sidewalk I needed to follow, attempting to judge exactly how soaked I would become if I made it to my destination, when I noticed him.

He was heading directly towards me. I did not recognise him as one of the crackheads who frequented this path. His skin was black in a way that suggested his days were spent in the sun. He had no shoes, and his black legs, visible from the shorts he wore, gave way to pink feet that were wrinkled from the puddles he had been through.

Steady stride

Holding nothing but an umbrella, his stride never altered. Until he approached me, then he stopped right beside me. His large frame loomed over me; I looked up at him to hear him say, "Let me give you some shelter." It seemed like a pretty good idea to me, so I replied, "Thank you."

I suspect he read my procrastination, and that I probably wasn't going that far because he then offered to walk me to my destination. This involved him doing an about-face and walking the 50 metres holding the umbrella squarely over our heads. He carried me beyond the sidewalk and until there was shelter, we chatted politely; he worked at a nearby garage.

Chivalry alive

Chivalry is not dead! It apparently is not where you expect it, but it is certainly not dead. I suspect a more typical gentleman would have walked past me, smartly pointing out that I should have brought my umbrella, some other gentlepeople just splashed past in their cars. Yet, in my moment of need, I was helped by a person who, many would claim, was not on my side; and the sense of unity despite the barriers was utterly refreshing. Keeping dry was nice too. This unity is something I suspect we will need a lot of in the months to come, because when it rains, it pours and it is metaphorically about to pour in Jamaica.

Water prices are about to rise by 28 per cent, the prime minister in his Budget presentation referred to some statistics that suggest that world food prices have risen 45 per cent in the last nine months, and a glance at your JPS bill will be enough proof of oil prices going through the roof. Unfortunately, these three items are certain to have an effect on absolutely everything and inflation seems destined to grip us firmly this year. But as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Surely we have what it takes in this country to unite in this period of adversity, working together to face the challenges.

Eliminate corruption

Instead of businesses simply running with the excuse and inflating their prices, they must work on their efficiency. Likewise, the labour force can do its part to be more productive. One sure way of increasing efficiency in this country is by eliminating theft and corruption. I don't feel good about paying more for water when each morning I listen as a vehicle drives up to a nearby fire hydrant, opens it, collects gallons of water and then drives off.

This is not poor women collecting water to carry home on their heads, and we are well aware of the big businesses who are even far worse than the inner-city homes that just let the water flow all day into the streets because they don't have to pay for it.

Businesses might have to ease back on their gross profits, while workers may face higher expectations. However, if we by any chance allow one portion of society to bear the brunt of these challenges, these brief but sweet moments of unity, will be very short-lived.

Tara Clivio is a freelance writer. Send feedback to column@gleanerjm.com.