Dear Editor,

The January 12 earthquake was an unfortunate tragedy that the people of Haiti had to endure. However, an earthquake is one of the sins of nature. Our hearts go out to them as numerous organisations and people from all walks of life are doing whatever they can to alleviate their suffering. Nevertheless, I can only imagine that the relief effort is a painful task to undertake. The United States — a country that is well advanced in a number of fields — has shown its capabilities and strength by assuming a leadership role in the rescue, relief and therapeutic efforts. Other countries who are capable have offered assistance as well.

In regard to housing the Haitians who have been affected by the disaster — some of whom are desperate to leave their country — Jamaica, although a senior member of Caricom, cannot accommodate a large influx of them. Therefore, other member states and associate member states should also play an active role. Caricom has 15 member states and five associate member states. They need to show their solidarity and alliance.

The Jamaica-Haiti connection has been in the news for some time. For example, former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who was ousted in 2004, was given temporary residence in Jamaica by former Prime Minister PJ Patterson. Unfortunately, the guns-for-drugs trade still exists.

There are many Haitians who will be seeking asylum in Jamaica. The prime minister of Jamaica has a right to act, but he and his advisors need to tread lightly and look at the repercussions of accepting a large influx of Haitians.

Other member states that can help in this regard hav been too silent. St Lucia is a country whose citizens speak Creole; Bahamas has a large Haitian population; associate member state Turks and Caicos Islands have a large Haitian population in Five Cays and Providenciales, and there are many other states that can help. The United States, a country that should be opening its doors to refugees, has publicly refused to accept any Haitian into the country. Why should Jamaica accept these people when there is a language barrier, a risk of an outbreak of diseases, among other potential threats? Jamaica needs to carefully rethink and recalculate the risks and other problems that would be associated with such a move.

Charlie Brown

charliebrown1004@hotmail.com