Letter of the day: Signs of desperation

The Editor, Sir:

In times of such dreadful situations, spectator countries like ours should take note of what is developing in Haiti. The wanton looting is not mere coincidence, but is a reaction by desperate citizens who have had little or nothing to eat or drink in days. These behaviours are not peculiar to citizens of Third-World countries, but happen in the First-World, too.

The difference is how prepared a country, its citizenry and politicians are to act and allay the fears of desperation. Governments around the world and especially Jamaica need to pay strict attention to these behaviours and start to prepare for any unforeseen tragedy that may be ahead. This should serve as a wake-up call to action.

Though it is difficult to predict these behaviours, if we start utilising our disaster-preparedness agencies to implement programmes to react immediately, then we can mitigate these after-effects of hunger, thirst and decomposing bodies lying in the streets day after day.

Politicians and citizens, it is time to start acting as Joseph (in the Bible) when he saw the vision and what would become of Egypt and became proactive and not reactive!

I am, etc,

PETER KERR

godpikney@hotmail.com

Delray Beach

Florida