Michael Reckord, Contributor 
AS WE sipped cold beers on his veranda the other afternoon, Artie and I got into an argument about what was the most important news story of the week. On the table before us were recent newspapers which we were using to make our judgements.
I thought the cricket story under the banner headline 'Colossal mistake', was the most important one. "After all," I said, "Finance Minister Davies has admitted that more than US$100 million dollars is being spent on preparations for Cricket World Cup 2007. Yet all we're getting back directly is a mere US$9 million. Jamaica can't afford that kind of loss."
Artie, however, said that the 'Squatting epidemic' story was more important. "There are 316 squatter settlements in Jamaica," he said, "and that chaotic situation costs the island billions. According to this article, Montego Bay alone is losing $10 million a year because of squatting. One businessman there was forced to sell his $140 million dollar property to squatters for a mere $45 million. The police admit they are powerless, even though wanted criminals live in squatter communities."
I pointed out that the cricket story was an international one, not merely a national issue as was the case with the squatting, but Artie pulled his tape recorder from under the pile of newspapers.
"You know, Dads," he said, "I heard about this squatter who has plans trying to establish the 317th squatter settlement in the country and I interviewed him. He was once an outstanding cricketer and even got selected for the West Indies team. Listen to the tape and tell me which of our opinions his story supports."
Artie pressed the Play button.
Artie: So you were a great cricketer in your day?
Squatter: Well, back then, I was only average, which is why I didn't get to play international matches. But compared to today's West Indies players, I'd be considered awesome.
Artie: How have the mighty fallen!
Squatter: Look on the bright side. It's good news, since we're hosting the World Cup next year.
Artie: Why you come to that conclusion?
Squatter: You sound surprised.
Artie: I am. Omar said we're only going to make nine million after an outlay of US$100 million.
Squatter: Nonsense. He's thinking short term. The JAMPRO people have estimated our returns over the next three years to be about $900 million. That includes income from tourism, exports, investments and the value of the media coverage. The publicity alone is worth US$100 million.
Artie: Very impressive. What a pity you won't be attending any of the matches.
Squatter: (annoyed) Of course I'll be there. I'm a big cricket fan.
Artie: Sorry, it's just that you're living in a squatter settlement. I assume you're to poor to afford the cost of a ticket to Sabina Park or the Greenfield Stadium.
Squatter: (laughs) I won't need to buy tickets.
Artie: No?
Squatter: No. Me and 50 of my friends are going to move from here to Sabina.
Artie: You crazy! You can't squat on Sabina Park grounds.
Squatter: We squat anywhere we want to. That's why there are 316 squatter communities, on private and government land. The police can't get us off.
Artie: Even if that was so, you don't have any shame? The eyes of the whole world will be on Sabina Park. You want to be on international TV fighting with the police?
Squatter: I don't mind being on international TV at all. That's one reason I wanted to be a West Indies cricketer. And we won't be fighting police. The Government couldn't afford to have the hundreds of sports journalists who will be here reporting on our policemen shooting into a crowd of poor squatters. The world would want to know why Government spent US$100 million on cricket when so many Jamaicans are in need of clothes, education and housing.
Artie: You have it all worked out, eh?
Squatter: Yes. My one worry now is that the construction company won't finish the work at Sabina and Greenfield on time.
Artie: You didn't' tell me why it's a good thing that the West Indies cricket team is no longer mighty.
Squatter: The greater the chance that their team will win, the more visitors will come to the region. If you went all the way to Australia to see the West Indies play that country, wouldn't you prefer to see our side win?
Artie: I see your point.
As Artie turned off the tape recorder, I said, "Clearly, the journalists who will be coming to Jamaica in March next year will be having a lot more to report on than just sports. And as to which side of our discussion your interview supports, let's call it a tie."
