Dear Editor,

The recent speech by Prime Minister Andrew Holness at a press conference left a lot to be desired. The prime minister’s tone, in my opinion, was angry and threatening as he chastised those who handed out care packages to victims of the hurricane and shared the images.

Prime Minister Holness should’ve shown much appreciation to the many individuals and groups who continue to step in through active volunteerism, donation, and charity. The recipients are homeless and hungry, many have small children, there is no independence when one is desperate, with no food, clothing, or shelter.

The tone of his speech did not reflect the “positive mindset” he is now calling for, even if he is not “afraid of nobody”. Not everything deserves a response, prime minister. Do the work and it will speak for itself. If you spend time reacting, you will draw attention to your weaknesses and miss the point completely.

Aid is the result of donations and sharing images facilitates transparency and accountability. There is no shame in this. For some donors they are seeing up close what poverty looks like and the reality of many Jamaicans.

I haven’t seen anyone fighting over packages. They are handed out with compassion and are not thrown to people. The care packages delivered are well put together, and they can sustain some for a few days. These packages are necessary for urgent needs and it is important to share online to magnify the problem, thereby encouraging others to help, long term. It will take time for people to get back on their feet and regain independence. Many are farmers, hustlers, and small business owners, while some are indigent and require special assistance.

We learnt recently that money collected from Government has not been disbursed or spent, over one month since the hurricane devastated one-third of Jamaica. People who are hungry and homeless cannot wait on Government to sort out protocols, bureaucracy, and planning. So why are we talking about Jamaicans being “independent at heart”. Is it shameful to receive aid? Or is the real concern that the quick delivery of thousands of packages to remote areas show up the inefficiencies within Government?

We’ve seen government officials with media in tow accepting large packages of aid from foreign countries. When the prime minister hands over keys to new houses under the social housing programme the media is always there; if he is handing over a gift, you bet the camera will be there. Is it only ‘dignified’ when the Government does it?

The Bible speaks about those who are generous and give cheerfully, we should encourage it and be thankful. Now is the time to unite and assist in every way possible to help those who lost it all during the hurricane.

P Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com