The Editor, Sir:

Gustav's flood waters have opened our eyes to duties not performed by parish councils, various agencies, and citizens themselves. Together, we have allowed a continuing disrespect for the laws and self-endangerment by our fellow Jamaicans because we ignore unauthorised settlements.

Trespassers who capture properties, be they privately or publicly owned, need to be dealt with first, legally, second justly, and third and most important humanely.

The 2030 Vision for Jamaica notes that the Town Planning Department was established to maintain efficient land use islandwide, and in doing so ensure that land is available to satisfy the needs of all activities in accordance with the Town and Country Planning Act and the Local Improvement Act. The tool of trade for this department is noted as being development orders which establish planning policies for efficient land use.

Physical environment

In addition, the planning and research section of the Town Planning Department has as one of its objectives the provision of "a better understanding of the nature of the physical environment of urban and rural areas, the social, economic, government, legal, technical and aesthetic forces that fashion them, and the interrelationship between urbanisation and society."

I would like to suggest to the Town Planning Department that they include in their development orders for every parish a component for council houses, in the form of apartments to be made available to persons who may be incapable of paying current rental rates, or unable to secure dwelling otherwise.

Homeless and needy

Some units may be reserved for the homeless and needy, operating as houses of refuge for the abused and destitute. Basic meals and health care may be provided by welfare and charitable organisations.

If we have laws we should respect and enforce them. If these laws are unjust or not reflective of our norms then we should change them. But, whether we enforce or change our laws we should always remember humanity. By all means strictly enforce the laws, but first, ensure that these laws are just and are a part of a general framework that regards the basic needs of all Jamaicans - man, woman, child and, dare I say, animal.

I am, etc.,

PETER ANGLIN

Kingston