THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE OBSERVER newspaper on Wednesday, June 8, 2005, carried a disturbing article on attempts by a citizens' association to block the establishment of a hospice in downtown Kingston for those afflicted with HIV/AIDS. The report indicates that the primary concern for the objection is that to do so would drive property values down in the area.
This might not have been the intention, but the message sent to those suffering with HIV/AIDS was: you are dirty and vile, it's your fault. You are less than human, and not worthy of one ounce of compassion. We don't want you and, oh yes, please don't bring your mess near to where we live.
FEAR AND PREJUDICE
The spread of HIV/AIDS thrives in an atmosphere where fear and prejudice force those suffering with it, into silence. Despite the strides made in the last 10 years in public education campaigns and drug treatment regimes, those suffering with HIV/AIDS still risk losing their jobs and being cast out by family and the community which, therefore, makes centres for care and treatment a necessity.
WICKED ILLNESS
I remember when Jamaica AIDS Support (JAS) was forced to close its hospice in a New Kingston community because the residents vociferously objected to its presence among them. Is it that we are so self-absorbed that we cannot see that we too could fall victim to this wicked illness? It is appalling that with HIV statistics at epidemic levels in this country, there is still a shortage of places for those affected to go.
In a country that prides itself in knowing God, it amazes me how little of His likeness we bear. I remember a sign that could be seen in locations throughout Kingston. Its message was simple yet poignant. In large white letters against a black background it read. "What would love do now?". Would love cast out those who are already down and out? Would love declare brashly that there is no place for you? Would love turn its back on the forgotten and rejected? I think not. We read the Bible but do we understand it? The stamp of God is love. In its absence He too is absent. Jesus came to show us love, because we did not know what it was. Love challenges you, it stirs you and it compels you into action.
BROKEN AND SHATTERED PEOPLE
It is true that in an AIDS hospice you will find those who have been to hell and back; it is true that you will find broken and shattered people, and the truth is, there are those whose choices led them there. Our response to them will expose our hearts and our character. If we reject, ostracise and ridicule them, then we are being directed and controlled by fear and prejudice. If we move in love and compassion, then we are walking in the very footsteps of the character of God. Call me naïve but I believe in a God who accepts you as you are, and then promises to lead you in the path towards complete restoration.
Love does not fear the mess in the lives of others. Love will reach into the deepest hole for the one that it loves because that is what love does, reaches out.
In closing, I beg the residents of East Queen Street to examine their hearts. Do not block Father Ho Lung's efforts. A hospice is needed, not only for those who are suffering from HIV/AIDS but for the homeless and helpless; What if it were you? How would you want to be treated? Wouldn't you want a place to go? Re-examine yourselves, and ask "What would love do now?"
I am, etc.,
NEIL HAMATY
Kingston
