Squatter eviction, shelter and security THE EDITOR, Sir: ONCE AGAIN we watch the humiliating, barbaric and inhuman action of one set of our people on another. Our fellow citizens being bulldozed out of their homes - again. This time, at some early hour of the morning when most people are usually sound asleep. The victims are labelled squatters. Some are photographed with several young children, even infants at their sides. The operation carried out bears some semblance to a police raid for illegal activities by citizens. But why was this raid carried out at that hour? Obviously these people are trespassing when they build structures illegally on these lands. But why allow them to build and rebuild illegally? Where are the personnel employed by UDC to patrol these areas, to monitor and to report activities on UDC properties? Our people should be given clear guidelines as to what is acceptable, ethical and lawful behaviour. That is, they should be made to understand, what they are 'allowed to do' and what they are 'not allowed to do'. Our children should be taught this at an early age in such a way as to engender social security, good manners and consideration for others. At present there is a negative vibe, of every man for himself, with no regard for the next man's life or property. The tourist will only see the disgraceful, vulgar 'show' of poverty and violence and will judge Jamaica accordingly. Then what of the children? Will they ever forget such a dramatic and traumatic incident in their young lives? Children are said to live what they learn. It might well be that the little boy whose best suit was damaged, or whose marbles were scattered and lost under the wheels of the bulldozer, will become tomorrow's gunman. He will have developed and festered a hatred for all authority and for the rest of society. Surely, the most fundamental aspect of nation-building must be to ensure that each citizen, who so desires, has shelter and security? After all, an insecure person; even a nation, will have low self-esteem, and hence will exhibit unpredictable, anti-social behaviour. I am etc., MONICA REID Commosioung Oracabessa, St. Mary.
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