In the Jamaican folk language, it was a case of 'taking serious ting mek joke'. The truth is that very few of us were able to avoid a good long laugh on hearing or reading the story of the man from Windsor Castle, Portland whom the people of Stewart Town, St Mary mistook for a refugee escaping earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

It would appear from this distance that the Windsor Castle resident described in this newspaper's report on Saturday as a mute played the error for all it was worth, in the classic tradition of Brer Anancy.

We are told that at least one resident of Stewart Town provided the 'refugee' with a bath, food, clothing and even money. And that police and health officials waited at the Rio Nuevo Beach for hours in expectation of helping other 'Haitians' who were said to be arriving.

It would be perfectly natural if, in the immediate aftermath, the would-be benefactors felt slightly silly. We trust, though, that they will join the rest of us in having a laugh and move on.

It is important for ordinary citizens as well as officialdom in eastern Jamaica that cynicism is kept at bay. We do not want a situation in which, because of last week's episode in Stewart Town, real refugees are denied help or are mistreated in any way.

In the latter respect, we take note of the fear reportedly expressed by some residents that Haitian refugees could turn out to be armed and dangerous escaped prisoners.

This newspaper fully understands the need for caution. After all, Jamaicans exist in a society that is plagued by violent crime. We fully appreciate that the arrival of refugees requires the very early intervention of the police and other arms of the security forces. But in the context of the tragedy in Haiti -- which has left in excess of 200,000 dead, according to current estimates, and countless others injured or sick, homeless and without food and water -- Jamaicans must allow our first instinct to do good to prevail.

Those in leadership positions in eastern Jamaica need to be on alert to prevent panic reactions that could cause harm to suffering refugees and bring dishonour and embarrassment to their communities and the country.

We should all take heart and example from the tremendous work of the Jamaican and Caricom contingents now in Haiti. They have sacrificed the comforts of home to provide help where it's needed most -- in an environment which is hellish at best, if the TV images, printed and audio reports are to be believed.

Note the Sunday Observer's report on the efforts of a Jamaican medical team in defiance of resource shortages and difficulties. We are struck by a quote from anaesthesiologist Ms Jackie Deans-Minott : "It's a sad, sad place... but we're doing some good work."

All Jamaicans have a responsibility to do whatever we can, not just on the ground in Haiti, but here as well. For it can't be asking too much of us to welcome and give comfort to law-abiding Haitians if they turn up on our shores seeking temporary solace.

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